Going back to College? Check here for Mature/Disabled/Access/Grant & Fees information

ditzyfairy · 27-08-2012 1:44pm

paperclip2 wrote: »

Hi, DF,

If you only did 3/4 months of the course and its more than 5 years ago then you should be eligible for the full grant under the 2nd chance rule. Do you already have a previous completed qualification?

yes thats what I thought, im in the middle of writing the appeal now

I have a fetacl level 5 component and fetac level 6diploma (both part-time courses)

but the letter said i was refused because I previously attended an undergraduate level 6 or 7 so surely they aren't considering the fetac level 6 as undergrad course?

zero19 · 27-08-2012 2:17pm

Got the list of documents needed from SUSI today, just wondering it says I need evidence of independent residence from Oct 1st 2011 to one month prior to the letter, does that mean I need two bills, one from last October and one for July or is it a bill for each month from October?

paperclip2 · 27-08-2012 2:56pm

ditzyfairy wrote: »

yes thats what I thought, im in the middle of writing the appeal now

I have a fetacl level 5 component and fetac level 6diploma (both part-time courses)

but the letter said i was refused because I previously attended an undergraduate level 6 or 7 so surely they aren't considering the fetac level 6 as undergrad course?

FETAC level 6 is not an Undergrad course in the context of third level. It sounds like the grant assessor got mixed up. Ring the Dept of Ed dept that covers this and they will give you clarity on your entitlement to grant, fee etc.
Tel: 057 9325317

From the info you've given, DF, it looks to me like you should be grant eligible

paperclip2 · 27-08-2012 2:56pm

zero19 wrote: »

Got the list of documents needed from SUSI today, just wondering it says I need evidence of independent residence from Oct 1st 2011 to one month prior to the letter, does that mean I need two bills, one from last October and one for July or is it a bill for each month from October?

I think its one for October and one for July. Don't think you need one from each month.

ditzyfairy · 27-08-2012 6:42pm

paperclip2 wrote: »

FETAC level 6 is not an Undergrad course in the context of third level. It sounds like the grant assessor got mixed up. Ring the Dept of Ed dept that covers this and they will give you clarity on your entitlement to grant, fee etc.
Tel: 057 9325317

From the info you've given, DF, it looks to me like you should be grant eligible

thanks for that, I called up the dept and the lady I spoke to saw no reason for me not to be eligible as a 2nd chance student, so have done out the appeal and will send if off in the morning

Steevy · 28-08-2012 1:56am

zero19 wrote: »

Got the list of documents needed from SUSI today, just wondering it says I need evidence of independent residence from Oct 1st 2011 to one month prior to the letter, does that mean I need two bills, one from last October and one for July or is it a bill for each month from October?

Its a bill for each month from October. If you pay for your electric, internet and telephone bills then you can easily print them online

ditzyfairy · 29-08-2012 3:33pm

so just rang SW office to see what the hold up is with BTEA approval, (5th call in as many days) and the lady looked it up and she says from what she can see i've been approved YIPEEEEEEE

So i guess anyone else waiting for BTEA just keep calling, try be as polite as possible and they can help you over the phone

so now i've just to wait to see how my grant appeal goes, i posted it today so should know this time next month. In the meantime if i take out a loan to cover the contribution charges and then if i win my appeal will I be refunded when the college get paid by SUSI?

paperclip2 · 29-08-2012 3:40pm

ditzyfairy wrote: »

so now i've just to wait to see how my grant appeal goes, i posted it today so should know this time next month. In the meantime if i take out a loan to cover the contribution charges and then if i win my appeal will I be refunded when the college get paid by SUSI?

Congrats on getting the BTEA,

Fingers crossed on the grant appeal. Think you have a good shot at getting it. And yes, if you pay the contribution yourself and are then approved for the grant you will be refunded. I wouldn't like to speculate when you'll be refunded but you will get your money back

ditzyfairy · 29-08-2012 3:47pm

paperclip2 wrote: »

Congrats on getting the BTEA,

Fingers crossed on the grant appeal. Think you have a good shot at getting it. And yes, if you pay the contribution yourself and are then approved for the grant you will be refunded. I wouldn't like to speculate when you'll be refunded but you will get your money back

thanks paperclip for all your advise you really seem to know the in's and out of this grant process

yeah now that both the college and SW seem to see me as a 2n chance student I don't see why SUSI don't.

paperclip2 · 29-08-2012 4:36pm

ditzyfairy wrote: »

thanks paperclip for all your advise you really seem to know the in's and out of this grant process

No probs. Glad to put my hard-won knowledge to good use.

ditzyfairy wrote: »

yeah now that both the college and SW seem to see me as a 2n chance student I don't see why SUSI don't.

A bit of prob with SUSI at the moment is that its staff don't have the same level of experience in dealing with these applications as the regional VEC's and County Councils had. Most of the local office staff could do these assessments in their sleep but there's a steep learning curve for a new agency like SUSI and it is, unsurprisingly, leading to a few mistakes and problems for applicants.

Fingers crossed for you DF.

Twilightning · 30-08-2012 6:44pm

Hello all, I was wondering if anybody could help me out with this.

I started my first day at Kylemore College out in Ballyfermot doing a Music Performance/Technology PLC. Under VTOS guidelines, I found out I was eligible for the scheme (21 years old, receiving Jobseeker's Allowance for 6 months or more) but had to wait until today to actually talk to the VTOS coordinator at the school itself. It turns out the scheme was cut altogether for the college, so I'm at a loss as to what to do now. I'm unsure if I can keep claiming my JSB whilst in full-time education or if I can receive the VTOS payments/sign up for it somewhere else. I have to travel a fair bit just to get to the college so I'm not sure if the current amount I'm on will even be enough every week. Help and advice is appreciated!

Thanks!

paperclip2 · 30-08-2012 9:19pm

Twilightning wrote: »

Hello all, I was wondering if anybody could help me out with this.

I started my first day at Kylemore College out in Ballyfermot doing a Music Performance/Technology PLC. Under VTOS guidelines, I found out I was eligible for the scheme (21 years old, receiving Jobseeker's Allowance for 6 months or more) but had to wait until today to actually talk to the VTOS coordinator at the school itself. It turns out the scheme was cut altogether for the college, so I'm at a loss as to what to do now. I'm unsure if I can keep claiming my JSB whilst in full-time education or if I can receive the VTOS payments/sign up for it somewhere else. I have to travel a fair bit just to get to the college so I'm not sure if the current amount I'm on will even be enough every week. Help and advice is appreciated!

Thanks!

You cant keep JSB but you can apply for BTEA. Details here: http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Publications/SW70/Pages/BacktoEducationProgramme.aspx Contact your local DSP office and ask them about it. Don't say you've started the course yet as if you do that then you could have your JSB cut straight away.

To get BTEA for your course you need to be 21 or older and on JS for 3 months so you should be ok. You will get the max standard rate of payment on BTEA; for a single person its €188/wk net of child or other dependent allowances and you will get a cost of education allowance in October amounting to €300.

Twilightning · 30-08-2012 9:22pm

paperclip2 wrote: »

You cant keep JSB but you can apply for BTEA. Details here: http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Publications/SW70/Pages/BacktoEducationProgramme.aspx Contact your local DSP office and ask them about it. Don't say you've started the course yet as if you do that then you could have your JSB cut straight away.

To get BTEA for your course you need to be 21 or older and on JS for 3 months so you should be ok. You will get the max standard rate of payment on BTEA; for a single person its €188/wk net of child or other dependent allowances and you will get a cost of education allowance in October amounting to €300.

Well I started today but technically it was only an induction, I don't start the course in full until next Monday, so would I still be okay in applying for BTEA tomorrow? Or would I be screwed because of a technicality? What info do I need?

paperclip2 · 30-08-2012 9:29pm

It depends on the person in DSP. Some are grand and some are a bit jobsworthy. Say that you've found a course you want to do and you want to apply for BTEA. You can actually download the application form from the DSP website here: http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Forms/Documents/bte1.pdf

You drop that in to DSP but make sure you have the start date of the course on it as this is the date they start paying your BTEA from.

You can apply for BTEA up to 30 days after the course starts but it can take a few weeks to approve it so get it in sooner rather than later.

Twilightning · 30-08-2012 9:36pm

paperclip2 wrote: »

It depends on the person in DSP. Some are grand and some are a bit jobsworthy. Say that you've found a course you want to do and you want to apply for BTEA. You can actually download the application form from the DSP website here: http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Forms/Documents/bte1.pdf

You drop that in to DSP but make sure you have the start date of the course on it as this is the date they start paying your BTEA from.

You can apply for BTEA up to 30 days after the course starts but it can take a few weeks to approve it so get it in sooner rather than later.

Ahhh okay. So will I still be able to receive my JSA up until the BTEA comes through? You're a lifesaver for providing all of this info!

paperclip2 · 30-08-2012 9:40pm

Twilightning wrote: »

Ahhh okay. So will I still be able to receive my JSA up until the BTEA comes through? You're a lifesaver for providing all of this info!

You should be ok. But if you are attending the course before getting BTEA approval maybe don't broadcast it iykwim. Most DSP staff are grand but there are one or two who go strictly by the book

.

And you're welcome by the way.

Twilightning · 30-08-2012 9:42pm

paperclip2 wrote: »

You should be ok. But if you are attending the course before getting BTEA approval maybe don't broadcast it iykwim. Most DSP staff are grand but there are one or two who go strictly by the book .

And you're welcome by the way.

So should I just inform the social welfare office about the BTEA before I put the application in, or after while I'm waiting for approval?

paperclip2 · 30-08-2012 9:50pm

Twilightning wrote: »

So should I just inform the social welfare office about the BTEA before I put the application in, or after while I'm waiting for approval?

Well they will know about the BTEA anyway once the application goes in. Do you mean inform them about the course?

You could ask them if it would be ok to start the course before you get BTEA approval. At least then you would know where you stand.

Twilightning · 30-08-2012 9:52pm

paperclip2 wrote: »

Well they will know about the BTEA anyway once the application goes in. Do you mean inform them about the course?

You could ask them if it would be ok to start the course before you get BTEA approval. At least then you would know where you stand.

Hahaha my apologies, talking about all this mess I failed to realize the place I'm getting JSA from and applying to for BTEA are one in the same place!

Twilightning · 30-08-2012 10:46pm

Thank you for all your help paperclip, I printed out the forms and have them fully filled in, ready to go down to the office tomorrow morning. So I'll just be nipping in to tell them I've already secured my place on the course, it starts next week and that I'm applying for BTEA yes? If it takes a few weeks to go through, does this mean I'll remain on JSA until the BTEA comes through or will it be stopped as of next week/backpayment of BTEA to cover what I lost while the application went through?

paperclip2 · 30-08-2012 11:28pm

You would think it would be straightforward but sadly not. The problem is that if you say you have started this course now you might lose your Jobseekers as you aren't genuinely seeking work. But without the JS you can't get BTEA.
I'd ask DSP when can you start on the course, do you have to wait until your BTEA is approved or can you attend prior to that while still on JS.

ditzyfairy · 30-08-2012 11:36pm

I applied for for BTEA last year but I was refused, meaning I had no way to attend college, my JSB was cut off once the start date of the course came around and had to get a letter from the college saying I was not a registered student to get it back. But it was backdated, so id say they would backdate you as well.

Also once you bring the form in they may be able to approve it there and then, my friend was confirmed that day and had a letter the next day. If not call every day if you have to, to check the status.

In the meantime have a letter from the college saying you are registered ready so if you are approved you can send it in straight away.

Twilightning · 30-08-2012 11:36pm

paperclip2 wrote: »

You would think it would be straightforward but sadly not. The problem is that if you say you have started this course now you might lose your Jobseekers as you aren't genuinely seeking work. But without the JS you can't get BTEA.
I'd ask DSP when can you start on the course, do you have to wait until your BTEA is approved or can you attend prior to that while still on JS.

If it came down to it, losing the JSA wouldn't be the be all and end all as I have some savings to fall back on, but it would help. As long as my claim for BTEA isn't affected because of me already having started the course, I should be fine. They wouldn't deny me it because I already started would they?

ditzyfairy · 30-08-2012 11:39pm

Twilightning wrote: »

If it came down to it, losing the JSA wouldn't be the be all and end all as I have some savings to fall back on, but it would help. As long as my claim for BTEA isn't affected because of me already having started the course, I should be fine. They wouldn't deny me it because I already started would they?

Once your application is in before you start classes officially it shouldn't affect your application

Twilightning · 30-08-2012 11:55pm

ditzyfairy wrote: »

Once your application is in before you start classes officially it shouldn't affect your application

I put down on the form that classes start on the 3rd of September, which they do, but I went in today for orientation. I assume that doesn't count as the official beginning. If it doesn't, I should be in the clear for tomorrow!

Maldesu · 31-08-2012 12:15am

On your letter of registration just get them to say when classes start, which is what they are more interested in at the end of the day.

Twilightning · 31-08-2012 12:36am

Maldesu wrote: »

On your letter of registration just get them to say when classes start, which is what they are more interested in at the end of the day.

I don't have a letter, would that not take a while to go through? Or is it available immediately from the college? I only have tomorrow to put the application in for BTEA

Maldesu · 31-08-2012 12:43am

Put in your application for BTEA tomorrow and then just ask your college for the letter that has the start date of your lectures.
Ask your college for a letter for social welfare about attendance and BTEA. They will have done it before.

Twilightning · 31-08-2012 4:01pm

I went into the office today to drop the form in. I told the lady there that I originally wanted to sign up for VTOS but only found out yesterday that it was cut from the college I'm going to which was why I was so late in the game applying. She took the forms off me and asked me to get a letter from the college stating the starting dates of the classes. However, she then asked me if I had anything with me and I gave her the student calendar for the year we got on the induction day which states classes begin on the 3rd, so she made a copy, kept one and gave me my original copy and said they'd be in touch via letter. I'm assuming I don't actually need a letter from the college now since she took that and said they'd be in touch?

ditzyfairy · 31-08-2012 4:24pm

you will need a letter to confirm you are registered as a full time student from the admissions office

Maldesu · 31-08-2012 5:22pm

Twilightning wrote: »

I went into the office today to drop the form in. I told the lady there that I originally wanted to sign up for VTOS but only found out yesterday that it was cut from the college I'm going to which was why I was so late in the game applying. She took the forms off me and asked me to get a letter from the college stating the starting dates of the classes. However, she then asked me if I had anything with me and I gave her the student calendar for the year we got on the induction day which states classes begin on the 3rd, so she made a copy, kept one and gave me my original copy and said they'd be in touch via letter. I'm assuming I don't actually need a letter from the college now since she took that and said they'd be in touch?

They won't start payment until they get the official letter from the college.

Twilightning · 31-08-2012 5:30pm

Thanks guys. I'll get the letter from them when I start on Monday and drop it in the same day.

Captain Slow IRL · 01-09-2012 3:06pm

What's the difference between fees and grants? I wrote an email to SUSI last week and got a reply back this week which states:

In relation to your application, you have been deemed provisionally eligible for the fee's only. Your application will be processed and you will be contacted by SUSI in due course, you documents will be matched with your original application and should they correspond, you should be approved for the grant.

I rang up to get some clarification on what this email means but the girl on the phone didn't seem to know.

eire-kp · 01-09-2012 4:20pm

Captain Slow IRL wrote: »

What's the difference between fees and grants? I wrote an email to SUSI last week and got a reply back this week which states:

I rang up to get some clarification on what this email means but the girl on the phone didn't seem to know.

The fee is the student contribution which is 2250 which is all your entitled to if you are claiming BTEA.

This explains it http://www.studentfinance.ie/mp9552/grant-levels/index.html

moonandstars · 07-09-2012 9:14pm

I am in NUIG and considering deferring 3rd year till next year.. can I still do this now? Or is it too late? Will I be covered for fees and back to education allowance next year?

maggie23 · 21-09-2012 6:23pm

I really want to go back to college and retrain in social care, its something ive always wanted to do but at the time of my leaving my dad was sick and i just concentrated on picking a course closest to home.
I ended up doing a business studies course and received a national certificate for it from an IT. Since then I have been working in banking and finance and have also obtained a diploma in financial advice through the institue of bankers.

The thing is im nearly 28 and do not want to be in banking for the rest of my working days. However I have a mortgage and am single so no one to support me to go back to study. My questions are, based on my courses done already will I still qualify as a mature student? I also received a manitenace grant when going to IT for 2 years, will this affect future entitlements?
Will i be entitled to any grants/funding while I go back? Will I be entitled to anything extra as I have a mortgage?

I should point out i've been working since the age of 12 and its not that i'm looking for the government to pay for everything but i just want to see if i am entitled to anything. I do have some savings but not nearly enough to fund this.

I know social work is what im meant to do and have been wanted to do this for ages but the time is never right (still isn't but i'm just going to give it a shot)

I would appreciate any help or advise anyone has or if anyone has any suggestions on other options. i'm open to them all my main stumbling block is having my mortgage only for that i would be back in college an qualified a long time ago.

Thanks for anyone that takes the time to read and reply

kaflin · 22-09-2012 3:57pm

maggie23 wrote: »

I really want to go back to college and retrain in social care, its something ive always wanted to do but at the time of my leaving my dad was sick and i just concentrated on picking a course closest to home.
I ended up doing a business studies course and received a national certificate for it from an IT. Since then I have been working in banking and finance and have also obtained a diploma in financial advice through the institue of bankers.

The thing is im nearly 28 and do not want to be in banking for the rest of my working days. However I have a mortgage and am single so no one to support me to go back to study. My questions are, based on my courses done already will I still qualify as a mature student? I also received a manitenace grant when going to IT for 2 years, will this affect future entitlements?
Will i be entitled to any grants/funding while I go back? Will I be entitled to anything extra as I have a mortgage?

I should point out i've been working since the age of 12 and its not that i'm looking for the government to pay for everything but i just want to see if i am entitled to anything. I do have some savings but not nearly enough to fund this.

I know social work is what im meant to do and have been wanted to do this for ages but the time is never right (still isn't but i'm just going to give it a shot)

I would appreciate any help or advise anyone has or if anyone has any suggestions on other options. i'm open to them all my main stumbling block is having my mortgage only for that i would be back in college an qualified a long time ago.

Thanks for anyone that takes the time to read and reply

If you've got a qualification already then you've got to be doing a course at a level higher then the level of your qualification. So if you've got a lvl 7 Bachelors then you'd have to do at least a lvl 8 course now.
As for receiving maintenance before, as long as you finished he course and didn't drop out then it shouldn't be an issue.

MeadowLane · 25-09-2012 10:41pm

Hi All
I am planning on applying for a course for next year
I have one toddler and hoping to do nursing??
Any advice on grants, social welfare etc???

Mod Note: Post moved to right thread. Please don't resurrect old threads
Thanks

phasers · 03-10-2012 10:41pm

Hi all, apologies if this has been asked before but I did a search and nothing came up. I started my course about 4 weeks ago and I applied for VTOS. I was approved and just got my first payment. I expected it to be backdated but it wasn't

Is it supposed to be backdated?

Twilightning · 03-10-2012 11:05pm

I'd also have a question to throw out there.

I was successful in getting BTEA but the €300 payment hasn't been given to me yet. When's it usually due? I read it was supposed to be the 'beginning of the academic year'

Maldesu · 03-10-2012 11:12pm

Twilightning wrote: »

I'd also have a question to throw out there.

I was successful in getting BTEA but the €300 payment hasn't been given to me yet. When's it usually due? I read it was supposed to be the 'beginning of the academic year'

It can vary depending on the processing office. Some don't come in until late Oct.

ditzyfairy · 04-10-2012 11:13am

Got my first payment today, along with the €300 euro cost of education allowance and the difference from the last two weeks

happy days

Captain Slow IRL · 04-10-2012 8:28pm

Anyone still waiting on SUSI grant approval?!

ditzyfairy · 04-10-2012 8:50pm

Captain Slow IRL wrote: »

Anyone still waiting on SUSI grant approval?!

im still waiting to hear back to see if I got my appeal or not, but no one i've spoken to so far in my course has been fully approved yet, hth

moonandstars · 04-10-2012 11:58pm

Twilightning wrote: »

I'd also have a question to throw out there.

I was successful in getting BTEA but the €300 payment hasn't been given to me yet. When's it usually due? I read it was supposed to be the 'beginning of the academic year'

It's normally the end of October.

moonandstars · 04-10-2012 11:59pm

ditzyfairy wrote: »

Got my first payment today, along with the €300 euro cost of education allowance and the difference from the last two weeks happy days

Was it 300 last year? I can't remember.

Maldesu · 05-10-2012 12:06am

moonandstars wrote: »

Was it 300 last year? I can't remember.

I think so but the memory is fecked too

ditzyfairy · 05-10-2012 4:06pm

moonandstars wrote: »

It's normally the end of October.

my €300 was included in my first payment yesterday

ditzyfairy · 05-10-2012 4:07pm

i think it was €500 last year but was cut in budget

moonandstars · 05-10-2012 5:22pm

ditzyfairy wrote: »

i think it was €500 last year but was cut in budget

Bleugh! I wish I could curse here but I've got a warning so I better be a good girl!
Didn't get mine this week so hopefully next week..

Going back to College? Check here for Mature/Disabled/Access/Grant & Fees information

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