Short of the BTEA requirement

Cocolola

Hi guys.

Apologies in advance for the "poor me" story, I just hate to be thought of as a dole scrounger and stuff like that so I feel the need to explain myself

Ok well I'll get to it, 25 years old living in Limerick with my retired mother and have a deferred place in NUIG which I will be taking up this year. I used to work in a shop but I've been unemployed since it closed in March 2010. I was then on Jobseekers Benefit from August 2010 till June 2011 when my credits ran out.

Sick of being a drain on the government at only 24 years of age I didn't apply for Jobseekers Allowance and instead lived as a complete hermit for months, which was stupid I know. I finally managed to get a job from October 2011 till December 2011, just a Christmas contract. After it became apparent that the company wasn't hiring me back I swallowed my pride and applied for JA in April. They were generous enough to backdate it to the 3rd January of this year.

Despite my best efforts I haven't been able to find any work and it doesn't appear that I will between now and September. So it looks like my only hope of ever getting to college is the BTEA (grant won't even cover rent). I've checked the requirements and it looks like I'll be 18 days short of the 234 needed (I didn't count Sundays) to qualify.

So I guess my question is has anyone ever been in a similar situation or does anyone have any advice on how I could work with this? I know I should probably call into the SW office and ask but I really really don't want to be seen like I'm being greedy, or worse, deliberately avoiding finding work just so I'll get BTEA.

Thanks in advance.


TL;DR I'll be 18 days short of BTEA requirements, what should I do?

Annasopra

Call into the social welfare office. Don't worry about what they might think.

Cocolola

Thanks Mango, I'll go in during the week so.

While I'm here can I ask another question? I've applied for the grant and I think I could get the 100% maintenance rate, but I would rather get the BTEA if possible. If by some miracle I became eligible for BTEA after my grant was approved, would it be a simple enough thing to contact the grant people and inform them that I can't receive the maintenance component?

Annasopra

Cocolola wrote: »

Thanks Mango, I'll go in during the week so.

While I'm here can I ask another question? I've applied for the grant and I think I could get the 100% maintenance rate, but I would rather get the BTEA if possible. If by some miracle I became eligible for BTEA after my grant was approved, would it be a simple enough thing to contact the grant people and inform them that I can't receive the maintenance component?

That sounds ok to me

NOELER

Hi
Sorry to hear about the job loss, the whole country is in it. Regarding the BTEA, FORGET it, if you are 1 day short you could kiss goodbye to it, but 18, not a hope, I'd bet the lotto on you not getting it if short days. You are right not to count Sundays.Don't worry about being in the position of getting the grand AND BTEA it simply will not happen, not a hope, those days are well gone. Independent mature students used to get both. If you short days you will not get BTEA, and let nobody try to tell you otherwise. Best of luck with your study journey otherwise.

longhalloween

NOELER wrote: »

Hi
Sorry to hear about the job loss, the whole country is in it. Regarding the BTEA, FORGET it, if you are 1 day short you could kiss goodbye to it, but 18, not a hope, I'd bet the lotto on you not getting it if short days. You are right not to count Sundays.Don't worry about being in the position of getting the grand AND BTEA it simply will not happen, not a hope, those days are well gone. Independent mature students used to get both. If you short days you will not get BTEA, and let nobody try to tell you otherwise. Best of luck with your study journey otherwise.

Sigh...there's always an optimist :rolleyes:

OP there's no harm in trying. The worst they can do is say no and then at least you know for sure.

NOELER

Hi rolleyes, I was just trying to give the facts as I know them for certain to be and save her/him wasting all summer hoping they will get BTEA, when they definitely will not if short days, thats all, so back to your eyerolling:):P

Cocolola

Thanks for the replies.

I went into the SWO but they just gave me the form to fill out so I'll do that anyway and see what happens. No harm in trying as longhalloween said. Appreciate the advice thanks.

NOELER

These may be of help to you also perhaps:
http://www.dublincity.ie/community/highereducationgrants/Pages/default.aspx
http://www.studentfinance.ie/
https://www.grantsonline.ie/
http://www.adulteducationhandbook.com/index.cfm/spKey/supports.financial.further_higher_education_maintenance_grants.html
Bset of luck to you, hope you get sorted.

Cocolola

Hey just wanted to come back to this.

I called the BTEA offices in Leitrim today to ask about the need to meet with a Facilitator and the girl on the phone said she'd do a quick check to see if I was eligible. She took my PPSN and told me I meet all the requirements and that I have 481 days so I should be ok. Seems their system is including my previous claims from last year. She couldn't guarantee that the deciding officer would approve it of course but she said apply.

So when I'm sending in the application form, should I include a brief cover letter just to say I was on to the main office, was informed I meet requirements, have x amount of days and was told apply?

NOELER

Thats great, delighted you have the days. I would not mention about days as it's drawing attention to something the first officer thought was fine, instead set out how this is a good investment by the state in you and how you have given huge thought to the decision and will work hard if get course. They need to know from your letter (which is all they have) that you have a fair chance of finishing a degree etc. This is your only opp to put your case so don't be afraid to give a totally positive picture of how this will enhance your prospects of getting a job and contributing in the long term in exchange you this opportunity. Graduates pay more taxes and they know that. Best of luck on your journey, it will change your life.
I stick by my original comment that if one is short days, one will not get the bTEA but check to make sure you are counting properly.

Cocolola

Thanks Noeler, I have spruced up my letter a good bit now.

NOELER

I did it myself, went to uni in London and loved it, but I threw the kitchen sink into letter and was so glad I did, sell yourself and this 100k+ of state investment in you to the hilt!

Cocolola

Just wanted to update. I got a letter from SW today saying I've been provisionally approved Just have to send off the registration and course details when I get them.

So thanks for all your help and advice, appreciated it.