Part time study and social welfare?

Sapsorrow

Hi all,
I'm just wondering would my doing a part time higher diploma be ok whilst on social welfare? I'm due to graduate next may and I want to start the course in September but it'll use up all my savings so I'm worried in case I can't find any work! Surely this should be ok as being in the evenings it doesn't affect my ability to work right?
Thanks in advance!

The_Conductor

Certain courses qualify for a social welfare 'Back to Education Allowance'.

Details of the scheme are here:

Note: they have gotten incredibly strict with their assessments- there is very little leeway given. Read up on the scheme and make sure your application addresses anything likely to come up.

mary55

Yes I was wondering the same thing? If you pay for the course yourself and you are still looking for work would it be ok to do the course or would you have to tell them?

The_Conductor

mary55 wrote: »

Yes I was wondering the same thing? If you pay for the course yourself and you are still looking for work would it be ok to do the course or would you have to tell them?

There is an assumption that if you are studying- that you are not available for work- or actively seeking work (rightly or wrongly)- so you really need to ask as many questions as possible- before making up your mind to take a particular path of action.

A possible compromise would be to explore the Fas website and try to do a course in a related field (I got a really good webdesign course off Fas a few years ago, that would have otherwise cost me an arm and a leg to do).

Make sure you're in possession of all the information before deciding to do anything.

mary55

Yes Smccarick I see what you are saying. But if it was just a part time course and you were paying yourself and you were still applying and looking for jobs at the same time as you were doing the course would this be ok I wonder. I would still be available to take up full time work at any time as the course is flexible with hours and if I did get full time employment whilst doing the course I could complete say during evening hours or weekends. I mean I might as well do a course which might help me get a job besides sittting around doing nothing. What do you think?

petethebrick

If it's a part time course that runs in the venings then you'll be entitled to the full job seekers allowance and rent allowance etc as technically you're available for work during the day.

mary55

Yes thank you pete the brick I would still be available to do full time work if i were to take on this course as the hours are flexible and they say if you are working that they can work around this and give you hours to suit you as there are evening and weekend hours in which you can complete the course. Cheers.