College entitlements.

michellegalway

Hi, Hoping to get some advice! I applied for college in January of this year, and have done an interview and got on really well, (it was interview based as it's for an art degree!) but as I am 22 (will be 23 before college but still appartenly not a mature student) I was applying on CAO points.

My problem is this, I am completely independant of my parents, there's no way I could move home or rely on them for an income of any kind.
AsI'm not a mature student the grants office have told me the most I would be entitled to is roughly 50euro a week, so that's out,as it wouldn't even cover rent!

I have been out of work since Dec, but have done one month work nthe middle, have since been doing a lot of volunteer work as it is impossible to find a job, and its gotten to the stage I think i would be better off to stop looking til I see if I can get a btea.

If I'm not qualified for it this year would I be better off turning down the course, deferring for a year, or taking it try living off a part time job for 4 years if I can get one? If I defer will I be entitled to mature students then, or btea??
Any help would be appreciated! Have been to Citizens info and Fas officer already, Will be going to speak to bte officer soon.

Purple88

I know this might sound like a stupid question but is the grant application looking at your parents income or yours?

Michael..

If you have been unemployed and on the social welfare for over nine months you can apply for the back to education allowance.

As far as I know it's the same rate as the standard dole payment.

There's more info here http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Schemes/BackToEducation/Pages/ThirdLevelOption.aspx

Podgoricka

Purple88 wrote: »

I know this might sound like a stupid question but is the grant application looking at your parents income or yours?

parents income and savings etc etc. but also i think it takes into account yours. i.e. if you have a job etc