dole & part-time

lemon3107

Hi guys i've been on the dole for 4 months and i was thinking i cant find a job i might aswell go to college but i heard that once u start college u stop getting your jobseekers benefit, is this true for part time study aswell?
thanks

dlambirl

well technically you arent actively seeking and available for work so yes you wouldnt be entitled to claim JSB or JSA but you may be eligable for Back to Education Allowence

lemon3107

Thanks for ur answer but I think your only eligible for back to education if youve been unemployed for more than 6months. Which in my case im only 4 months..

Moonbeam

No part time study does not count and if you only got statutory redundancy you maybe entitled to free fees too.

www.ncirl.ie
www.ul.ie both have their scheme details on their websites.

lemon3107

what do u mean partime study does not count?
I was not made redundant, i was let go

Moonbeam

You can study part time and you are still available for full time work so you can claim your job seekers.
Check out the courses being offered under the free fees for unemployed and see if you qualify.
Fees for part time courses can be quite high.

lemon3107

i cant qualify for free fees because im not six months unemployed...only 5 months. they say at least 6 months....such a pity

techyness

I got accepted to one of the free fees courses. I did qualify for the 6 months unemployed criteria. But I was just thinking - the course I qualified for doesnt start for another month exactly. Are you 5 months unemployed now? You would be 6 months unemployed possibly when it starts? Maybe you should check with the college if you see a course under the scheme which you are interested - you may just be accepted? Worth a look anyway. This is on the nci website "The scheme is open to all those who have been in receipt of Job Seeker’s Allowance or Benefit for the 6 months or more prior to the commencement of the course."

tedcreed

Hi there, Most part-time courses (Limited hours per week), will meet the Department of Social and Family Affairs criteria for receiving Unemployment Benefit whilst continuing in career-focused training. Whatever college you are considering should be able to tell you what courses qualify.