Kinda Finished college, can I claim?

Grim_Wreeper

Hi there,

I finished classes for college a few weeks ago, exams finished and the like. But I have to write a thesis (as I'm doing a masters) which is due in September.

Question is can I claim job-seekers allowance??

(the thesis is due in Sept, but I actually wont graduate till January).

m5ex9oqjawdg2i

I am not 100% sure. Either way, you will need a leter from the college to say you have finished.

Oh_Noes

I signed on for the three months between my first and second year in college, which was in 2007 so it may have changed. Also I was getting a "Back to Education" allowance which was a SW payment, equivalent to a dole payment during the college year.

Unless things have changed since, you should be able to sign on for the three months if you genuinely have no money and no means of getting any.

Balagan

Seems like strong possibility you could claim JA

from http://www.welfare.ie/EN/OperationalGuidelines/Pages/ja_jobseekall.aspx

(d) Students completing theses/projects :

The legislation provides for disqualification while attending a full-time day course of study. Third level students who have completed final examinations but are completing theses or projects cannot be regarded as still attending a full-time day course of study and, therefore, cannot be disqualified under this provision. Entitlement may, however, be considered under the availability condition, - Section 141 (4)(c) depending on the degree of commitment to the project/thesis.

(e) Postgraduate (research) students :

Students pursuing a course at Postgraduate level by research only, who do not have fixed lectures or holidays but who work "at their own pace" until the thesis is submitted should have their entitlement examined. Each case should be examined on an individual basis to ensure that the general availability/ GSW conditions are satisfied.

Balagan

Oh_Noes wrote: »

I signed on for the three months between my first and second year in college, which was in 2007 so it may have changed. Also I was getting a "Back to Education" allowance which was a SW payment, equivalent to a dole payment during the college year.

Unless things have changed since, you should be able to sign on for the three months if you genuinely have no money and no means of getting any.

It was different for you because you were on BTEA and it's also different for mature students and those claiming Jobseekers Benefit, but otherwise those between years of an ongoing course at third level are not eligible to apply for Jobseekers Allowance during Summer holidays.

Lollipops23

I my undergrad course I had to hand in my thesis in Sep,but I started signing on in the June,when my exams were over. I explained this at my first appointment and they never even looked for the letter from college(which I'm not 100% sure I would have gotten,they were arses in the admin dept).

Grim_Wreeper

Thanks everyone for the info, Got the letter this morning from the college...

Acapella

Hey...

I am in the exact same situation as you and got clearance for the dole this morning. I am delighted because was hitting a very sticky financial situation!!

You should be able to claim off your stamps and bring along the college exit letter but they will give you another one to get filled in by the college anyway. Get it done as soon as possible so your claim isn't delayed.

Best of Luck

Acapella