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Is Back to Education Allowance worth it?

13

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 571 ✭✭✭BonkeyDonker


    What nobodyknows says is correct - if there has been a five year between your previous course and your next one you should qualify as a second chance student adn have your fees etc paid. You will not receive a grant, but this is more than made up for by BTEA.

    One thing I would suggest though is to make sure you will qualify for SUSI/BTEA before you quit your job, as they are quite strict about number of days on JS etc.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 508 ✭✭✭dobbs2210


    Looking for some advice. I was on jsa for 2 years, started a Tús position in January 2014 and I'm starting a full time college course in September 2014. I'm looking to apply for the Back to Education Allowance so when should I finish the Tús position and when should I put forward the application for the Back to Education Allowance? Should I anticipate Amy problems with the application.


  • Registered Users Posts: 6 CBDexia


    What nobodyknows says is correct - if there has been a five year between your previous course and your next one you should qualify as a second chance student adn have your fees etc paid. You will not receive a grant, but this is more than made up for by BTEA.

    One thing I would suggest though is to make sure you will qualify for SUSI/BTEA before you quit your job, as they are quite strict about number of days on JS etc.

    Thanks for that. I didn't realise you'd have to pay for fees, that's insane.


  • Registered Users Posts: 6 CBDexia


    dobbs2210 wrote: »
    Looking for some advice. I was on jsa for 2 years, started a Tús position in January 2014 and I'm starting a full time college course in September 2014. I'm looking to apply for the Back to Education Allowance so when should I finish the Tús position and when should I put forward the application for the Back to Education Allowance? Should I anticipate Amy problems with the application.

    If you came off the jsa I don't think you'll qualify for btea. That's the problem I'm having. You have to be on jsa for 9 months before you can get the btea and even if you are unemployed while during your course you won't be able to get btea throughout your degree.


  • Registered Users Posts: 6 CBDexia


    I'd check that again with SUSI, I know a few people who returned to college after the 5 year gap and got the grant from the first year of the new course, there was no need to way the 2 or 3 years.
    I'm also planing to return to college this september after a 5 year gap and SUSI have told be directly that they will cover me from the start of the new course.

    with the "Free Fees Initiative" there is also a 5 year rule where after a 5 year gap there is like a do over but if you don't qualify for this then you've got to pay the full fees for equivalent period of time spent on the first course, the fact that you didn't complete your level 8 doesn't mean you'll get free fees again.

    So basically you should get free fees because it been 5 years NOT because you didn't complete your degree (e.g. if you had of tried to return to college in 2013 when the gap was just 4 years, you would of had to pay full fees)

    Wow that's insane. Anywhere I read up about fees never said anything like that. Thanks for the info


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,780 ✭✭✭carzony


    lads my local obair told me last year that BTEA now only pays you your weekly dole and that's it. When I asked for help with things like books, grants ect. Obair said i'd be wasting my time..

    I want to get a level 6 hetac course this year but no way i'd be able to afford it on 144 a week..


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,280 ✭✭✭paperclip2


    carzony wrote: »
    lads my local obair told me last year that BTEA now only pays you your weekly dole and that's it. When I asked for help with things like books, grants ect. Obair said i'd be wasting my time..

    I want to get a level 6 hetac course this year but no way i'd be able to afford it on 144 a week..

    if you are under 26 you can be brought up to a max of €160 per week on BTEA.

    If you are over that age that's when you stay on the same rate of payment.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,180 ✭✭✭Guffy


    How can I check when I was last registered in college?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 571 ✭✭✭BonkeyDonker


    gufc21 wrote: »
    How can I check when I was last registered in college?

    Contact the college would be your best bet I would imagine.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,180 ✭✭✭Guffy


    Ha ya guess that would have been the smart move


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,799 ✭✭✭runswithascript


    I on a casual work payment, I work three days a week, and I have been accepted for a degree in UCD. I know I qualify for BTEA and I have been on it before while on a casual work payment. It was a course lower than level 8 and once you are progressing in level you are covered.

    What I want to know is if there is something else I should also be applying for regarding fees or any other supports? I had understood there was no point applying for SUSI if going the BTEA route, is this correct? Is there anything else I should apply for?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 571 ✭✭✭BonkeyDonker


    dusf wrote: »
    What I want to know is if there is something else I should also be applying for regarding fees or any other supports? I had understood there was no point applying for SUSI if going the BTEA route, is this correct? Is there anything else I should apply for?

    BTEA will just give you your SW entitlements each week. SUSI cover may cover your tuition fees etc. If you are not sure if you qualify I would apply either way, worst case you don't qualify and you are exactly where you are now.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,799 ✭✭✭runswithascript


    BTEA will just give you your SW entitlements each week. SUSI cover may cover your tuition fees etc. If you are not sure if you qualify I would apply either way, worst case you don't qualify and you are exactly where you are now.

    Thanks, I will apply before the July 1st deadline.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 185 ✭✭MyNameIsMethos


    There's no SUSI deadline that I'm aware of.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 70 ✭✭nobodyknows


    There's no SUSI deadline that I'm aware of.

    The deadline is 1st of August.
    They will take applications after this date but they wont even be looked at until the first lot are fully sorted so late application will have a longer wait time until you get approved or denied.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,799 ✭✭✭runswithascript


    As advised I am still going to apply no matter what but I thought I had heard it was one or the other, BTEA or SUSI.

    I know a few years ago students were able to get BTEA, the entire grant, study, and work part time without any reductions to any payment.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,280 ✭✭✭paperclip2


    The grant is divided into a number of sections
    • Fee grant for Student Contribution, (€2750 in Sept 2014)
    • Maintenance Grant
    • Tuition Fee grant
    • Field Trip grant

    If you get BTEA you are not eligible for the maintenance portion of the grant however you may be eligible for the remaining portions.

    The tuition fee element is only applicable in certain cases where the governments Free Fee initiative may not apply.

    The rules regarding receipt of both BTEA and the maintenance grant were changed in 2010 so it was one or the other.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 41,104 ✭✭✭✭Annasopra


    dusf wrote: »
    As advised I am still going to apply no matter what but I thought I had heard it was one or the other, BTEA or SUSI.

    I know a few years ago students were able to get BTEA, the entire grant, study, and work part time without any reductions to any payment.

    If you get BTEA you also can apply to SUSI for a fee only grant

    It was so much easier to blame it on Them. It was bleakly depressing to think that They were Us. If it was Them, then nothing was anyone's fault. If it was us, what did that make Me? After all, I'm one of Us. I must be. I've certainly never thought of myself as one of Them. No one ever thinks of themselves as one of Them. We're always one of Us. It's Them that do the bad things.

    Terry Pratchet



  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,320 ✭✭✭Ace Attorney


    Hello, sorry to interupt the thread, i thought i was better to ask here then create a new thread on BTEA, My question is do you have to apply for BTEA before a certain time? i.e is there a closing date for applications for it? Thanks


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,280 ✭✭✭paperclip2


    I've been told its within one month from the start date of the course. Other people in our area were told it was by the 30th of September. Best thing to do is check with your local office I'd say.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 185 ✭✭MyNameIsMethos


    So if you're waiting on a decision on BTEA, you're waived from the rule of "no social welfare while at college", until the time they make the decision? I've been worried that if a decision was not made by the time I began the course that I'd be left penniless in a grey area.


  • Registered Users Posts: 674 ✭✭✭GotTheTshirt


    So if you're waiting on a decision on BTEA, you're waived from the rule of "no social welfare while at college", until the time they make the decision? I've been worried that if a decision was not made by the time I began the course that I'd be left penniless in a grey area.

    Would be worth your while calling into your local SW office and speaking to someone at the schemes desk. They will put you straight. I found them very helpful last year and the changeover of my payments was seemless and that was about 3 weeks into the semester. Many others in my class were in the same boat but it wasn't an issue with our local office.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 185 ✭✭MyNameIsMethos


    Called in to them in the mean time; what you say Tshirt is true.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 37 flashback humour


    So basically you should get free fees because it been 5 years NOT because you didn't complete your degree (e.g. if you had of tried to return to college in 2013 when the gap was just 4 years, you would of had to pay full fees)

    Its actually combination of the two - you'll get free fees again if you didn't complete your first degree AND its been over 5 years since leaving the first course.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 37 flashback humour


    Hello, sorry to interupt the thread, i thought i was better to ask here then create a new thread on BTEA, My question is do you have to apply for BTEA before a certain time? i.e is there a closing date for applications for it? Thanks

    Applications for BTEA must be made prior to commencement of an approved course of study.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,179 ✭✭✭✭paulie21


    Hi,

    I got word today that I have been accepted on to a course as an advanced entry student. I dropped out of the same course in 2009 in my 2nd year. I just have a couple of questions I hope somebody could answer?

    1: What exactly does BTEA cover? Will it cover the registration fees?

    2: If BTEA doesn't cover the fees should I apply to SUSI to see will they?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 37 flashback humour


    paulie21 wrote: »
    Hi,

    I got word today that I have been accepted on to a course as an advanced entry student. I dropped out of the same course in 2009 in my 2nd year. I just have a couple of questions I hope somebody could answer?

    1: What exactly does BTEA cover? Will it cover the registration fees?

    2: If BTEA doesn't cover the fees should I apply to SUSI to see will they?

    Apply to SUSI asap, BTEA won't pay for any fees.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 356 ✭✭bizzyb


    Apply to SUSI asap, BTEA won't pay for any fees.

    Closing date for susi was August 1st?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,180 ✭✭✭Guffy


    bizzyb wrote: »
    Closing date for susi was August 1st?

    I think they will still process it but it will take longer


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 37 flashback humour


    gufc21 wrote: »
    I think they will still process it but it will take longer

    Yep you can still apply after the closing date but you'll be bottom of the barrel then so you'll probably be waiting a long time to hear back. I don't think there's any pressure from the colleges to pay the charges up front once you can show that you've applied to SUSI.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 70 ✭✭Jalalabad


    How does BTEA work if you're married? can your wife claim the JSA and allowance for kids or not?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,280 ✭✭✭paperclip2


    To get BTEA you need to be getting a social welfare payment like Jobseekers Benefit or Allowance first. Even if you have statutory redundancy you have to establish an entitlement to a DSP payment before being considered for BTEA. If you are awarded a Jobseeker payment then you can apply for BTEA. If you are claiming for the family your BTEA will include the qualified child and adult dependent allowances.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,179 ✭✭✭✭paulie21


    Applied for BTEA 4 weeks ago suppose to be starting course on Monday. The welfare told me today that there is a hold up and it might be another month before my application is processed. What should I do? Attend classes and hope I'm allowed onto BTEA?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,780 ✭✭✭carzony


    paulie21 wrote: »
    Applied for BTEA 4 weeks ago suppose to be starting course on Monday. The welfare told me today that there is a hold up and it might be another month before my application is processed. What should I do? Attend classes and hope I'm allowed onto BTEA?

    just stay in your class for now would be my advice:D hopefully after the month you'll get lots of money back dated ;)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 93 ✭✭steve3194


    Last year I did a fetac level 5 course and got the back to education allowance for the year. Switched over to jobseekers for the summer. I got an offer for a third level course last month and applied for the back to education again. My course has since started and I am continuing to collect my jobseekers while I wait for a decision to be made about the btea. Last year I stopped collecting the jobseekers once the course started but I was told I shouldn't have by someone working in the welfare office.

    I'm 20 and last year I got 160 Euros per week on the back to education. I read online that you have to be on job seekers for 9 months to qualify for btea for a third level course. Does anyone know if being on the back to education last year would contribute towards this or is it strictly jobseekers? So far I've only been asked to provide proof of college offer. Really hope there isn't any problems with this as I was already denied the susi grant and had to take out a loan to pay the first half of the course fees.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,180 ✭✭✭Guffy


    Still awaiting btea. Is there a small lump sum at the first payment?

    An additional sum I means for books, materials, etc.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,180 ✭✭✭Guffy


    steve3194 wrote: »
    Last year I did a fetac level 5 course and got the back to education allowance for the year. Switched over to jobseekers for the summer. I got an offer for a third level course last month and applied for the back to education again. My course has since started and I am continuing to collect my jobseekers while I wait for a decision to be made about the btea. Last year I stopped collecting the jobseekers once the course started but I was told I shouldn't have by someone working in the welfare office.

    I'm 20 and last year I got 160 Euros per week on the back to education. I read online that you have to be on job seekers for 9 months to qualify for btea for a third level course. Does anyone know if being on the back to education last year would contribute towards this or is it strictly jobseekers? So far I've only been asked to provide proof of college offer. Really hope there isn't any problems with this as I was already denied the susi grant and had to take out a loan to pay the first half of the course fees.

    I'm not sure who your provider was, mine was FAS, but I qualify as I was unemployed before I started ans since I finished. the time on course is then taken into account.... so I was told when I rang. Still awaiting confirmation.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,280 ✭✭✭paperclip2


    steve3194 wrote: »
    Last year I did a fetac level 5 course and got the back to education allowance for the year. Switched over to jobseekers for the summer. I got an offer for a third level course last month and applied for the back to education again. My course has since started and I am continuing to collect my jobseekers while I wait for a decision to be made about the btea. Last year I stopped collecting the jobseekers once the course started but I was told I shouldn't have by someone working in the welfare office.

    I'm 20 and last year I got 160 Euros per week on the back to education. I read online that you have to be on job seekers for 9 months to qualify for btea for a third level course. Does anyone know if being on the back to education last year would contribute towards this or is it strictly jobseekers? So far I've only been asked to provide proof of college offer. Really hope there isn't any problems with this as I was already denied the susi grant and had to take out a loan to pay the first half of the course fees.

    Time spent on BTEA counts toward the qualifying period. As long as you are getting Jobseekers immediately before, i.e for the week before, the new course starts that will fulfil the length of time qualifying period.

    Edit, you would also have to have the remaining potion of the qualifying time met while on BTEA.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,280 ✭✭✭paperclip2


    gufc21 wrote: »
    Still awaiting btea. Is there a small lump sum at the first payment?

    An additional sum I means for books, materials, etc.

    No there isn't any additional payment with BTEA. The cost of education €500/€300 payment was stopped a few years ago.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 93 ✭✭steve3194


    paperclip2 wrote: »
    Time spent on BTEA counts toward the qualifying period. As long as you are getting Jobseekers immediately before, i.e for the week before, the new course starts that will fulfil the length of time qualifying period.

    Great thanks for the info


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  • Registered Users Posts: 3 jay8701


    Does anyone know if you are doing a straight add on, level 7 to level 8 and have been on the BTEA system the previous year, if u will be treated as a new applicant even when I had to refill the original btea form? my reason for asking is because I work part time 2 days and my partner minds the kids, what I was getting last year(BTEA) was more than my summer SW payment(JA). but this year with the new law JA=BTEA, I would be getting much less (€50 less) than last year and will make it difficult to pay rent. so the question remains am I a new entrant or am treated as being on the system already?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,805 ✭✭✭mightyreds


    What do you mean ja=btea does that mean you can't do the 2 days


  • Registered Users Posts: 3 jay8701


    I meant to say what I received for JA after means tested for working 2 days e.g. weekends during summer, would be the same amount I would receive for BTEA , because the working condition would b the same 2 days and the new law for new entrants. Last year my BTEA was bumped up to the maximum allowance irrespective of what I got in the summer(JA) and part time work cos I was on BTEA for 3 years and might be different now cos I am doing an add on.


  • Registered Users Posts: 3 jay8701


    Since 1 January 2013, if you are a new BTEA participant aged over 25 your weekly BTEA rate will be equal to your previous social protection payment (the payment that qualified you for participation in the scheme).


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,280 ✭✭✭paperclip2


    jay8701 wrote: »
    Does anyone know if you are doing a straight add on, level 7 to level 8 and have been on the BTEA system the previous year, if u will be treated as a new applicant even when I had to refill the original btea form? my reason for asking is because I work part time 2 days and my partner minds the kids, what I was getting last year(BTEA) was more than my summer SW payment(JA). but this year with the new law JA=BTEA, I would be getting much less (€50 less) than last year and will make it difficult to pay rent. so the question remains am I a new entrant or am treated as being on the system already?

    I had a look at the operational guidelines for BTEA and it says:
    BTEA participants who are progressing to the next year of their course or who are progressing from second level to third level approved undergraduate qualifications or from undergraduate qualification to BTEA eligible postgraduate courses will have their BTEA reinstated from the commencement of the new academic year irrespective of whether they were in receipt of an unemployment payment for the summer period

    It doesn't specifically mention level 7 to level 8 add on but if they recognise progression from 2nd to 3rd level education theres a good chance they will recognise progression within 3rd level.

    Taken from dsp website: http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/Back-to-Education-Allowance-Scheme.aspx#1.10


  • Registered Users Posts: 7 andreas gross


    As some regulations on BTEA have changed, and they aren't paying the fees anymore.
    So i will have to find a job to pay my fees.
    Do any one knows if there is a limit of days or hours that a person studying full time can do?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,180 ✭✭✭Guffy


    As some regulations on BTEA have changed, and they aren't paying the fees anymore.
    So i will have to find a job to pay my fees.
    Do any one knows if there is a limit of days or hours that a person studying full time can do?

    From what I understand.. no. I don't know how this will work in the summer though


  • Registered Users Posts: 7 andreas gross


    I was just reading about it and yes, the person can work part time, but they don't mention how many days or hours...and they don't pay fees anymore...so the person have to look after the fees...
    Does anyone knows it more accurately, how many days and hours is a full time student allowed to work if the person is on BTEA?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,780 ✭✭✭carzony


    I was just reading about it and yes, the person can work part time, but they don't mention how many days or hours...and they don't pay fees anymore...so the person have to look after the fees...
    Does anyone knows it more accurately, how many days and hours is a full time student allowed to work if the person is on BTEA?

    25 hours a week.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 129 ✭✭HausOfTony


    Are you still able to collect your JSA while you wait for a decision to be made re: BTEA?


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