The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
BACK-to-school costs are going to hit many families harder than ever in the next few weeks, according to Clare MABS and Citizens Information. “An increasing number of families are seeking information and advice about how to get additional assistance with school costs. Many low-income working families are not in receipt of social welfare,” said Paul Woulfe, manager, Clare Citizens Information Service. “They are, therefore, not entitled to a Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BTSCFA) payment, even where their income is below or equivalent to a social welfare payment for their family size,” he contined. He said a number of one-parent families have experienced a 6% loss in income this year, reflecting a reduction in the means test for one-parent families, the extension of the USC and a reduction in child benefit. Cuts in Child Benefit and Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BTSCFA) have also impacted on most low-income families with children. “In addition, the BTSCFA has been reduced …
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