Over 3,400 (3,436) families in Kerry are to benefit from an expanded Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance.
Two and three-year-old pre-school children are included for the first time, meaning around 37,000 additional children nationally will qualify for the allowance this year.
The allowance provides a once-off payment towards the cost of school clothing and footwear.
Eligible families receive €160 for children aged two to eleven, and €285 for those in second level education aged 12 years and over.
Although applications are open on MyWelfare.ie, more than 109,000 families nationwide will already automatically receive the allowance in July.
The expansion has been welcomed by Kerry Fine Gael Senator Mike Kennelly, Children's Minister Norma Foley and Fianna Fáil Deputy Michael Cahill.
