Social welfare and post graduate students

skerry

I had posted in the student finances forum and was told I might have more joy here. Just wondering if anyone here knows if social welfare provide any assistance to postgraduate students. My grant is up since October so haven't had an income in a few months. I have at least 6 months of college work left before I finish up but I can't last that long without any income and am in danger of having to drop out and waste the last 3 years of college work. Seeing as I'm pretty much a full time student I'm technically not available to work which I'm pretty sure is a requirement for most benefits. If anyone has any information that could be of benefit I would be very grateful !!

Larkenn

You can't claim the dole since you're a full time student. Its probably too late to apply for BTEA. You could approach the college and tell them about your situation. Most colleges have hardship funds for students with financial difficulties.

saa

Dunno if those funds will completely cover you but my SU has a loan system better to do that than drop out.

LilMsss

skerry wrote: »

I had posted in the student finances forum and was told I might have more joy here. Just wondering if anyone here knows if social welfare provide any assistance to postgraduate students. My grant is up since October so haven't had an income in a few months. I have at least 6 months of college work left before I finish up but I can't last that long without any income and am in danger of having to drop out and waste the last 3 years of college work. Seeing as I'm pretty much a full time student I'm technically not available to work which I'm pretty sure is a requirement for most benefits. If anyone has any information that could be of benefit I would be very grateful !!

It depends on which kind of course you are doing and if it is a research or taught postgrad degree. If you don't have any lectures and it is just the thesis part of your degree you need to complete, then technically you are still available for and should be seeking full-time work. It is taken on an individual basis by the deciding officer in your local Social Welfare Office. Your fees obviously would not be covered by Social Welfare, as this is not a service they provide, but it could help with your living expenses while you finish up and look for a job.

Just be aware that many of the people on the counters in SW offices will fully admit that they don't know the ins and outs of postgrad education and entitlements and most will escalate your query to a deciding officer who will have the final say.

LilMsss

Larkenn wrote: »

You can't claim the dole since you're a full time student. Its probably too late to apply for BTEA. You could approach the college and tell them about your situation. Most colleges have hardship funds for students with financial difficulties.

You have to be unemployed and in receipt of JSB or JSA for a certain period of time before you qualify for BTEA, and postgraduate courses, with the exception of the Primary Teaching H.Dip. and the PGDE in Secondary Education are not covered by the scheme.

achmairt

BTEA stops after HDip. You won't get BTEA for Masters or PHD level

hidinginthebush

Speaking from my own experience op, when I was doing my phd I wasn't able to claim the dole until I had written confirmation from the college saying I had submitted my thesis, so before the viva, but not before the university had a copy to send to the extern examiner.

Your best bet is to pop into your local social welfare office and ask what are your options. Best of luck!