BTEA

Clueless09

Hi All

I went to the local college today to check out courses for mature students who were made redundant...

I found one, and i signed up. i will know next week if i have been accepted. This course has been designed for people who have been made redundant, has 140 places and the lecturers are all giving their time for free so there is no fees.

They said they would give me a letter for the social welfare.. Will i be entitled to the BTEA? It is two days a week course for 2 years. I am currently on jobseekers benefit (the one where you have stamps)

Also sorry for sounding greedy but would i be entitled to a maintenance grant?

Thanks

allthedoyles

You may be better asking this question on www.askaboutmoney.com

and apply for maintenance grant ......you never know till you apply

Clueless09

thanks for such a speedy reply-will post there

ditmature

Hi OP,

Whether you get the grant will be largely dependent on whether the college you attend considers the course to be full-time or part-time. It could go either way, given that it's 2 days a week...

Essentially, the grant is not allocated to part-time courses, so if your college doesn't consider the course to be a full-time course you won't get the grant.

Ditto the BTEA - if the course is full-time, you may be eligible for the BTEA (if you have been claiming for 12 straight months, or 9 months with a letter of recommendation from your jobs facilitator, or have been made statutorially redundant). If you fulfil these criteria, then you should get the BTEA.

If the course is considered part-time, you should be able to take it and keep your dole - I would check with your local social welfare office to be sure about that.

What's crucial is that you determine from your college whether the course is full-time or part-time!

Bob

Chong

ditmature wrote: »

Hi OP,

Whether you get the grant will be largely dependent on whether the college you attend considers the course to be full-time or part-time. It could go either way, given that it's 2 days a week...

Essentially, the grant is not allocated to part-time courses, so if your college doesn't consider the course to be a full-time course you won't get the grant.

Ditto the BTEA - if the course is full-time, you may be eligible for the BTEA (if you have been claiming for 12 straight months, or 9 months with a letter of recommendation from your jobs facilitator, or have been made statutorially redundant). If you fulfil these criteria, then you should get the BTEA.

If the course is considered part-time, you should be able to take it and keep your dole - I would check with your local social welfare office to be sure about that.

What's crucial is that you determine from your college whether the course is full-time or part-time!

Bob

Tell me does the course have to be a hdip to be considered for BTEA, as in a Masters course isnt eligible for BTEA.

ditmature

Hi Chong,

According to the latest SW70 document from the Department of Social & Family Affairs:

The postgraduate option of the BTEA scheme is only for people who wish to take:

* a postgraduate course of study that leads to any Higher Diploma (H. Dip.) qualification or
* a Postgratuate Diploma in Education (Primary or Secondary teaching).

Other postgraduate qualifications including a Master's degree are not recognised for BTEA purposes.

You will not get the BTEA if you already hold a postgraduate qualification.

Sorry about that.

Bob

Chong

ditmature wrote: »

Hi Chong,

According to the latest SW70 document from the Department of Social & Family Affairs:

The postgraduate option of the BTEA scheme is only for people who wish to take:

* a postgraduate course of study that leads to any Higher Diploma (H. Dip.) qualification or
* a Postgratuate Diploma in Education (Primary or Secondary teaching).

Other postgraduate qualifications including a Master's degree are not recognised for BTEA purposes.

You will not get the BTEA if you already hold a postgraduate qualification.

Sorry about that.

Bob

Yup , pretty much what I thought, it sucks

Clueless09

Hi Bob, thanks for the message. I actually got onto a different course starting in Sept. Delighted with this as it was the one i originally wanted but they did not have space at the time. The course is full time-36 hrs per week so hoepfully ill get the BTEA. I was given statutory redundancy in Nov. Is the jobs facilitator someone who works in social welfare? Only asking because i have app on 28th to talk to someone in FAS regarding courses etc. I am totally confused by the welfare system
Can i ask one more thing of you as you seem to be pretty knowlegable on such things-would i be eligible for maintenance grant if i was getting BTEA? I am 27 and i have just moved back to my home county. I am renting a room for €250 off my sis, but my folks cant help me out with funds as my father was made redundant at xmas and is on welfare also and my mother is a homemaker? Thanks a million for the help by the way

curious-pup

Hi all,

A friend of mine was made redundant in January, is on the dole and is looking for work every day. He has applied to a course which would qualify for BTEA, but if he gets any job between now and Sept does that make him exempt from qualifying for BTEA?? I mean do you have to be continuously on the dole up until the time the course starts to get BTEA?

Thanks for any info you can give - I have tried phoning the department dealing with BTEA and looked online as has my friend but neither of us can find the answer.

ditmature

Hi Clueless09,

There's nothing to stop you from claiming the grant and the BTEA at the same time, though to check your eligibility etc, click here: http://www.dit.ie/study/mature/support/finance/hegs/

Curious-pup: Yes, you have to be in receipt of your social welfare payment for 12 consecutive months (or 9 months with a written recommendation from your jobs facilitator, unless you have statutory redundancy) prior to starting college, otherwise you won't get the BTEA. Not exactly an incentive to get a job, I know... More info here: http://www.dit.ie/study/mature/support/finance/btea/

curious-pup

Thanks for that ditmature. Yet another ridiculous rule :mad:

He has applied for a higher education grant also, any idea how long it takes to hear back on whether or not you are successful??

Thanks

ditmature

The closing date for grant applications is not until the end of August, so I can't imagine he would hear before that...

Bob

Clueless09

Thanks for all the help Bob:pac:

withnail83

Hi All,

I just say the above posts today and I am in a similar situation. I have been searching for work over the last few months without success and am considering going back to college in September but it would be difficult without the btea. I'll be on Jobseeker's Benefit for 11 months at that stage. How strict are they on the 12 months? How do you apply for the 9 month aspect? I haven't been registered at Fas yet. I thought they were supposed to get in touch with me after 3 months but havent gotten anything from them, and havent gotten in touch with them due to the negative reputation they have. Should I join them and will this be the only way that I could apply for btea?

ditmature

Hi withnail83,

Right now, I would be more concerned with getting a place in college, as the closing date for late applications to the CAO was the 1st of May. Most colleges will not accept an application at this late stage; you may have to wait until next year. The advantage of that is that you'll have plenty of time built up on Jobseeker's Benefit by that time...

Bob

withnail83

Thanks Ditmature,
I have identified a course I want and went up to the social welfare to see whether I was entitled to receive the btea and was passed from pillar to post. First I went to get information and to be honest they knew less about it than I do. They actually sent me to Fas because they said that they would be paying it. I knew that was ridiculous but went over anyway to sign up while I was at it. Luckily the woman in Fas knew abit more and told me to make an appointment with the social welfare facilitator and I'd find out for sure whether I was entitled to it or not. I have an appointment for next Thursday. They don't take applications for btea until June/July apparently.

Clueless09

Hi Guys-Im back again.
Spoke to girl in SW office yesterday (not jobs facilitator as i couldnt get app) and she told me i would not be entitled to BTEA as I was going into 2nd year of a course. She said i had already done 1st year (in 2001) and dropped out and the system is not there to encourage people to drop out and wait a few years so they can go back and get paid!?
I have been working full time since 2001 and given statutory redundancy before xmas so im not sure if she thought i had some elaborate plan to scam the system or something! ( be a long plan though 8 years in the making!!)
I am not going into 2nd year of the same course if that makes a difference.
Does anyone have any advice?
Many thanks

ditmature

Hi Clueless09,

I'm going to have to say that I've never heard of that happening before, and must assume that whoever gave you that information was misinformed.

You are not eligible for the BTEA if you have COMPLETED a previous third level programme, but in cases like yours (where you didn't complete the programme), the slate should be effectively "wiped clean" once you have been out of full-time education for 5 years or more.

For example, if you have failed to complete a programme of study, leave college and return 5 or more years later, you ahould qualify for the Higher Education Grant, and many colleges will consider you eligible for the Free Fees Initiative also.

Why this person told you that you wouldn't get the BTEA is beyond me, especially considering that you will be studying a different programme to the one you previously attended.

If you look at page 4 of the BTEA application form (available here: http://www.dit.ie/media/images/study/maturestudents/Back%20To%20Education%20Form.pdf), you will see that if specifically asks for information on any 2nd or 3rd level study that you have completed, not attempted.

If you are entering 2nd year of your new programme, how are you doing it? An advanced entry process because of work experience? Either way, what you were told at the SW office makes no sense to me.

I would apply regardless; worst case scenario is that they deny your application and then you can ask for a written review of your case by the officer in charge of your local SW office.

More information here: http://www.dit.ie/study/mature/support/finance/btea/

And here: http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Publications/SW70/Pages/ABacktoEducationAllowanceBTEA.aspx

Best wishes,

Bob

Clueless09

Hi Bob-thanks for the reply-as always your extremley helpful. i am entering yr 2 of business degree in accountancy.

i am eligbile due to work experience and also I completed IATI-its a two yr night course to be an accounts technician. i paid for this myself at a local VEC. I hope they dont stop me over that.

I will check out all the links you sent me there.

:pac:

indiana jones

does anyone know how much exactly would you get if you got btea? do you not claim unemployment benefit then and would all your fees be paid?

Clueless09

Hi Indiana jones-btea is same as jobseekers benefit €204.30 per week. no you cant claim unemployment benefit and go to college. unemployment benefit is jobseekers allowance or jobseekers benefit. If you are in college than you are not job seeking as you are not available to do so.

indiana jones

thanks for that , im just starting to wade through all the info out there about this.
i just recently found out that i am being made redundant in july and just trying to decide what to do. i really want to do nursing as a mature student but the application process means it will be september 2010 before i can start. the only way i could do it is by getting some sort of grant so that means i would have to stay on the dole for a whole year in order to qualify. even so i might not qualify as i have already a certificate and diploma. i think i would crack up if i though i would be on the dole for a year but i really want to do it. any ideas?

RoyalMarine

hi there,

i applied for college, hoping to get accepted. i signed on welfare back in janurary this year.
i recieved a letter the other day all about btea etc. it says i should contact my local colleges etc to find out about courses. since ive already applied i ignored that part.
i was wondering, i counted the dates and ill only be on welfare for 8months 2 weeks come the first week in september.
have they ever bent the rules for this type of situation? or does it have to be exactly 9months+?

paperclip2

Clueless09 wrote: »

Hi Guys-Im back again.
Spoke to girl in SW office yesterday (not jobs facilitator as i couldnt get app) and she told me i would not be entitled to BTEA as I was going into 2nd year of a course. She said i had already done 1st year (in 2001) and dropped out and the system is not there to encourage people to drop out and wait a few years so they can go back and get paid!?

Clueless, I think they are taking the proverbial tbh. I've referred people to DFSA to do what you are doing and get they have received the BTEA.

Maybe you should contact the SW section that deals directly with BTEA instead of the local office staff. They're based in Leitrim afaik and the number is 071 96 72698. If its clarified that you can get BTEA let the local office know as they are giving out misinformation.

Good luck.

paperclip2

RoyalMarineComm wrote: »

hi there,

i applied for college, hoping to get accepted. i signed on welfare back in janurary this year.
i recieved a letter the other day all about btea etc. it says i should contact my local colleges etc to find out about courses. since ive already applied i ignored that part.
i was wondering, i counted the dates and ill only be on welfare for 8months 2 weeks come the first week in september.
have they ever bent the rules for this type of situation? or does it have to be exactly 9months+?

Afaik they dont bend the rules but see if you can talk to a local Job Facilitator, it might be done on a set number of consecutive days instead of nine calendar months. This might reduce the length of time you need to be in receipt of payments prior to applying for BTEA.

Clueless09

thanks paperclip

LordOctane2009

Hi All,

I am in my 2nd year of a PhD and I am an independent mature student. I started my PhD and I looked for the BTEA. I rang up and I was told that "the mistake I made was that I was working for the last year".

When the hell did it become a mistake to work:mad: I then said that I am not working now and she said that I had already started and was therefore already back at education - I had to hang up the phone before I exploded. Why is it that country keeps punishing people for working? What is worse is that I would be better off sitting on the dole and working on my PhD as an independent student. Instead I am killing myself working and trying to study and the same time. I am also not entitled to benefits because I am student. It is impossible to win!!

So the best advice for those going on to education is to take a year off on the dole - get ahead on your studies and then start claiming but for the love of God don't think of working. Ridiculous!!! End of Rant Thanks:)

paperclip2

LordOctane2009 wrote: »

Hi All,

I am in my 2nd year of a PhD and I am an independent mature student. I started my PhD and I looked for the BTEA. I rang up and I was told that "the mistake I made was that I was working for the last year".

When the hell did it become a mistake to work:mad: I then said that I am not working now and she said that I had already started and was therefore already back at education - I had to hang up the phone before I exploded. Why is it that country keeps punishing people for working? What is worse is that I would be better off sitting on the dole and working on my PhD as an independent student. Instead I am killing myself working and trying to study and the same time. I am also not entitled to benefits because I am student. It is impossible to win!!

So the best advice for those going on to education is to take a year off on the dole - get ahead on your studies and then start claiming but for the love of God don't think of working. Ridiculous!!! End of Rant Thanks:)

Hi Lord Occtane,
Afaik the BTEA isn't available for postgraduate courses except for H.Dip or Post grad Diplomas in Primary or Secondary Teaching so if you are beyond that stage in your PhD then you wouldnt qualify for BTEA anyway. Cold comfort I know but it might take some of the sting out of it. You can have a look at the regulations here: http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Publications/SW70/Pages/ABacktoEducationAllowanceBTEA.aspx

Yes you are right about the restrictions. The lengths of time you need to be claiming before being entitled to apply for BTEA, 6, 9, and 12 months, are just too long especially in the current climate.

Best of luck in your studies.

LordOctane2009

Thanks Paperclip2 for the info. That wasn't even mentioned when I was talking to the woman even though I told them all my details. Typical.

Thanks again

fifibibi

withnail83 wrote: »

Hi All,

How strict are they on the 12 months? How do you apply for the 9 month aspect? I haven't been registered at Fas yet. I thought they were supposed to get in touch with me after 3 months but havent gotten anything from them, and havent gotten in touch with them due to the negative reputation they have. Should I join them and will this be the only way that I could apply for btea?

When you are on the dole, no one runs after you to make sure you get all you are entitled to, you have to go out and get things done yourself.

Fas don't contact anyone, if you want to register you call into their office. Its up to you and down to you to try eveything you can to find work.
I have never heard any negative comments about fas' reputation. Only the bloody politicians who stole money out of the budget.

fifibibi

indiana jones wrote: »

thanks for that , im just starting to wade through all the info out there about this.
i just recently found out that i am being made redundant in july and just trying to decide what to do. i really want to do nursing as a mature student but the application process means it will be september 2010 before i can start. the only way i could do it is by getting some sort of grant so that means i would have to stay on the dole for a whole year in order to qualify. even so i might not qualify as i have already a certificate and diploma. i think i would crack up if i though i would be on the dole for a year but i really want to do it. any ideas?

You wont qualify for btea if you already hold a diploma

fifibibi

indiana jones wrote: »

does anyone know how much exactly would you get if you got btea? do you not claim unemployment benefit then and would all your fees be paid?

They give you 500euro once off payment within the first month of college, its an extra payment for books and other expenses.

They dont pay fees. apply for a grant that should sort out fees.

Go to www.Qualifax.ie and they have a grant calculator on their website.
It's very good.

My advice to anyone on this board thinking of returning to education is to be ten steps ahead of yourself, plan months in advance and save like a *(&*(*&* for a few months before you start and if you can work part time so you have some income to fall back on.

Lougrass

anybody know if you are claiming part time dole, like just working 3days a week, can you still claim for BTEA? Have checked out some of the links posted in this forum but nothing seems to clarify that.

silasrat

hi all, just sharing my experience as some of you may be in a similar situation, I was made redundant iin january and have a place in college in september but would only be 8 months on the bob dole by then,but i was out of work for a month last summer between jobs and they can add that in to get you up to the nine month mark for the btea..... download the forms from www.welfare.ie and get an appointment with your local jobs facilitator and they'll sort you out........

B1977

You can also qualify for BTEA if you:

are aged between 18 and 20 years,
are out of formal education for two years, and
getting one of the following social welfare payments for at least,
6 months (156 days) for the Second Level Option
12 months (312 days) for the Third Level Option
Jobseeker's Allowance or Jobseeker's Benefit, or
One-Parent Family Payment.
If you have been awarded Statutory Redundancy, you may access the BTEA Scheme. However, you must first establish an entitlement to a Social Welfare payment, before starting an approved course of study.

* Note:

rocketballs

Hi All,

Wondering if somebody can help? can the job facilitator decide if u can get BTEA if he recommends you for a course. I am on job seekers since october, however FAS recommended i do industrial automation course, which i am currently doing. I have an engineering degree already, and have been accepted to masters course, engineering again this september. I will most probably by the skin of my teeth make the higher education grant from the VEC for my course fees only, and the lady on the phone from the VEC recommended i pursue the BTEA. however from more research ive noticed its only H.Dip or for teachers for a postgraduate course. Is there no other way of getting this BTEA if i wish to return to study for a postgraduate masters?

if this is the case, is there any other financial support?. Like most other people, I have bills to pay and i wouldnt be able to afford to do my masters if this is the case. i would find it bizarre that the government/social welfare/FAS would rather i collected the dole instead of furthering my education to increase my chances of coming off the live register. any help would be immensly appreciated as i am really beginning to get confused by all this sometimes misleading information.

btw, i am 26 living with parents and i graduated in 2006

Thanks

albundy1

Hi,

Does anybody know will the Facilitator look at each case and use their own disceretion to decide on a case, depending on how strong an argument you have ie. Short days could an allowance be made or how much you want the course?? Would this be taken in to consideration.

My local Facilitator has told me he will consider letting me in if Im short on days, closer to the time depending on how strong an argument a candidate can put forward ...

Has anybody got experience of similar situation???

tonywanda

Got my letter saying I qualified for the BTEA today. Finally!!

DenMan

I got a call yesterday (6pm ish) by the Social Welfare asking me what date I am starting back. I hope they will be contacting all you guys soon.

googlehead

tonywanda wrote: »

Got my letter saying I qualified for the BTEA today. Finally!!

Brilliant, When did you leave the form in for BTEA? I only left mine in last week.
I really need this as I have a mortgage otherwise I will be sitting and home getting into more debt:(

tonywanda

googlehead wrote: »

Brilliant, When did you leave the form in for BTEA? I only left mine in last week.
I really need this as I have a mortgage otherwise I will be sitting and home getting into more debt:(

Around mid- July after I got accepted