FAS course Rent Allowance

TheJinMu

Hi, I was just wondering if anyone could help me out here:

I signed up for an 11 week FAS course yesterday-its starting Monday-And I'm wondering if I'm entitled to rent allowance now? I wasnt getting it beforehand (I'd never applied) but I always thought FAS courses give you an allowance for rent? I'm from Wexford and living in Co Clare for the past 3 weeks, but the lady in the FAS office said I would have had to of moved down specifically, after I'd signed up for the course.

Is this right? It'd be nice to not be struggling financially while I'm doing the course!

EDIT: Also, I'm confused as to whether the rent supplement totals here are for FAS too? And is the maximum rent limit for the individual, or is it the rent in the accommodation full stop? Either ways, we got the cheapest rent we could here, but does that mean I'm not entitled as I'm paying over the limit??
http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/supplementary_welfare_schemes/rent_supplement.html

Thanks guys

Balagan

Two separate issues involved here.

Fas pays an accommodation allowance for courses where people have to move in order to take the course http://www.fas.ie/en/Allowances+and+Grants/Accommodation+and+Meal+Allowances.htm

You have the link yourself to the information about Rent Supplement and the qualifying criteria. The amounts listed are for the accommodation and if you are paying over the maximum allowed for those in your situation, you will not be eligible.

TheJinMu

Thanks for that link, but it doesnt give the terms anywhere. Where did you read that its for people who have to move to take the course? (Sorry for bothering you again!)

Balagan

This sets it out in more detail
Training allowances
Apart from evening courses FÁS training courses are free and you may be paid a training allowance for the duration of your course. You can also claim an accommodation allowance if you need to live away from home for the duration of the course or a travel allowance if you live 3 miles or more from the course centre. You may qualify for a free childcare place for your child.
http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/education/vocational_education_and_training/fas_training_programmes_and_supports/fas_training_courses.html

TheJinMu

Ah yes, I just came across that myself a few minutes ago. Thats a shame.
Thanks for your help!

snubbleste

What if you are renting anyway and went on a fas course, would you still get an accomodation allowance?

TheJinMu

Thats the position I'm in. It doesnt seem so