The cost of sending children back to school can be a big worry for parents living on a low income. As costs per child for clothing, footwear and school books are considerable it is a very heavy burden on parents who have to fund this cost from their normal household budget.

Parents on a low income, who have not already done so, should apply to the Department of Social and Family Affairs for the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance. This allowance gives €180 for each eligible child aged 2-11 on or before 30th September 2007 and €285 for each eligible child aged 12-22 on or before 30th September 2007.

While the allowance will go some way towards the overall cost it will not be sufficient to cover all the costs associated with returning to school. MABS (Money Advice and Budgeting Service) advises parents to plan now for going back to school.

1. Make a list of all you need to buy and fund e.g. uniform, school books, school materials, photocopying, school trips, sports gear etc.
2. Try to estimate the cost of each item– be realistic– check the prices.
3. Try to find ways to keep these costs to a minimum, e.g. Is there a book rental scheme in the school?
4. Add up the total cost.
5. Check if you might be eligible for the Back to School Allowance or other welfare payments.
6. Once you’ve finally agreed on the overall cost, consider ways you might pay for it. Calculate how many weeks there are between now and when you need to buy– how much will you need to save each week to cover the cost? Can you do this? Where will you save– the Credit union is a good option for saving, allowing you access to credit, if needed.
8. If you cannot save the full amount, can you reduce costs anywhere?
9. Remember that your everyday bills still have to be paid after this.
10. If you feel you have no option other than to borrow, please remember to consider how much you can afford to repay each week and how long you will need to repay. Only borrow the amount you actually need. Try to avoid borrowing from Money Lenders/ Doorstep sellers– they will cost you much more in the long term.

The Money Advice and Budgeting Service is a free, confidential and independent service for people in debt or at risk of getting into debt. It is funded by the Department of Social and Family Affairs. It has 65 offices nationwide staffed by professional money advisers.

For more information contact: Michael Culloty at 087 7978966 or Dublin South East MABS at 6706555.

If you are still in doubt about your budget or have concerns about debt contact your local MABS office or visit the MABS website on www.mabs.ie