Qualified Adult and Postgraduate Education

mosi

I've been having no luck on the job front lately despite loads of applications, while the OH is on a FAS course trying to retrain (was in construction).
I had been thinking of doing a Masters in Sept, but was hoping a job would come up (it might yet). I'm also looking at internships in the hope that they may lead to something. At this point I think the Masters may be the only way to go.
Anyway, to the point. The OH and I both get JSA payments at the cohabitants rate. Does anyone know what would happen if I started a Masters in September? I know that I would lose my entitlement to a payment but would I be considered as my partner's Qualified Adult? The SW website states that a QA is someone who does not qualify for a payment in their own right. It also says that they don't have to be actively seeking work.
Anyone have any experience of this?

Balagan

The fact that you would be studying would not preclude you from receiving a Qualified Adult payment on your partner's claim.
http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/irish_social_welfare_system/claiming_a_social_welfare_payment/claiming_an_increase_in_your_social_welfare_payment_for_an_adult_dependant.html


However, as a Qualified Adult who would not be available for and seeking work you would not be able to sign for credits which are important to protect your pension payments later on.
http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Publications/sw12/Pages/5CanIqualifyforcreditsifIamunemployed.aspx