You can also view MABS office locations using Google Maps. You can find further information on the use of Google Maps in our Privacy Statement.
Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS)
Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) is a free, independent, confidential and non- judgmental money advice and budgeting service for all members of the public.
MABS primarily works with people experiencing over-indebtedness. MABS money advisers work with clients who may have difficulties with a wide range of personal debts including personal loans, mortgages, credit card debt, catalogue debts, debts to legal moneylenders and hire purchases.
Money advisers help clients by reviewing their budgets, negotiating with their creditors and looking at opportunities to maximise their income.
Money advisers also act as Approved Intermediaries under personal insolvency legislation for clients availing of a Debt Relief Notice. MABS has always dealt with mortgage and housing related debt and this is treated as a priority debt in MABS. MABS has an additional panel of over 30 Dedicated Mortgage Arrears Advisers to work with clients on their mortgage arrears issues.
Get help towards back-to-school costs
MABS acts as the gateway to advice under the Abhaile scheme, which provides vouchers for clients to see Personal Insolvency Practitioners, legal or financial advisers. In addition, MABS supports clients at all of the repossession court sittings in the country as Court Mentors.
MABS has a remit in Money Management Education by advising clients about budgeting and debt management and facilitating group talks in schools and the community in relation to money management, good saving and spending habits, sources of credit and the avoidance of over-indebtedness.
| Details | Qualifying criteria | How to apply | Get more information |
| Helps you pay for uniforms and footwear for children going to school. Rates: €150 per child aged 4-11 on or before 30 September €275 per child aged 12-22 on or before 30 September and in second level education. |
To be eligible, you must: Be getting certain social welfare benefits or payments for training, employment schemes or adult education Have a total household income below a certain amount |
If you have not got a letter regarding the allowance from the Department of Social Protection by 6 July, you will need to apply for Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance online on www.mywelfare.ie. | Read more on citizensinformation.ie If you are having problems applying online, you can contact the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance section on: 071 919 3318 or 0818 07 2000. |
| Details | Qualifying criteria | How to apply | Get more information |
| Funding under the Free Education Scheme is available to primary and secondary schools to help with the cost of school books. | You can get information about the operation of the scheme in your child’s school from the school principal. |
Contact the principal of your child’s school to apply for help. The principal has discretion in deciding which students are most in need. |
You can find out more in the Guide for Parents: Text Book Rental Scheme in Schools. |
| Details | Qualifying criteria | How to apply | Get more information |
| Bus Eireann provides reduced prices for children using their services to travel to and from school. Children with a medical card can apply for an exemption. There are special provisions for children with special needs. Rates Primary school transport: €100 per child Post-primary school transport: € 350 per child |
Primary Your child must live more than 3.2 km from the school. Post-primary Your child must live more than 4.2 km from the school. |
Apply online. The closing date for applications is the last Friday in April for the coming school year. Only new pupils need apply. You only need to register once and Bus Eireann will contact you each year when it is time to pay the school transport charge. |
You can find out more on Bus Eireann’s website. |
