BTEA

cat87

Hi,

So I applied for the BTEA for September and I just got a letter today saying I was unsuccessful.

I know all the conditions and I am on Job seekers allowance for 12 months now and I am over 21 etc

So the problem is and the reason why I was unsuccessful is I already did a level 8 course. But I rejected my degree when I got my results a couple of years ago, so technically I don't have a degree and I did not confer. They think I have a qualification from it so I guess that is why they rejected me.

So i have a letter on the way from the college I previously attended saying I did not confer and I rejected my degree and a letter from the college I just got an offer from. I'm going to try get a good case for a review.

I am so devastated about getting rejected for the BTEA and wondering has anyone ever been in the same situation? Do I stand a chance at all??

Really wish I hadn't done the previous course and want to start a career that truly is for me in Midwifery.

Also absolutely no way I'd be able to afford to go back without the BTEA

Thanks for any help.

StillWaters

I don't really understand, did you complete the course, and have/could have the transcripts to prove it?

In which case I really don't think you have good grounds to appeal. The qualifying criteria for BTEA is very strict.

Janet1986

I know of someone who did two FETAC level 5 courses and was able to get the BTEA.

Definately get the letter from the college and show you haven't a full level 8 qualification completed.

cat87

I don't have a qualification as I rejected the degree at the time I got my results and I did not confer (graduate and receive the degree). it states you cannot have the same level qualification as what you are applying for so technically I don't have that qualification. Sorry if it's confusing.

cat87

Janet1986 I called the college straight away when I got the letter. They said they would send me on a letter stating that I did not confer and rejected my degree. The annoying thing is I don't have the qualification it's not as if I can write that I have a degree on my CV and apply for jobs with it as I simply don't have that qualification. I just don't know if they will see it that way...

StillWaters

Janet1986 wrote: »

I know of someone who did two FETAC level 5 courses and was able to get the BTEA.

Definately get the letter from the college and show you haven't a full level 8 qualification completed.

They got BTEA for the 2nd Level 5? Very unusual back in the day, unheard of now.
OP if you got your results, and they showed you achieved a successful level to pass your Degree, I just cannot see you winning your appeal unless your extentuating circumstances are very persuasive (and there is no need to post them here).

The next step for you might be your Adult Guidance Counsellor in your local VEC. They often assist with unusual appeals.

cat87

Just to clarify I never received BTEA before. So basically they would rather see me with no qualifications and jobless.

Balagan

StillWaters wrote: »

They got BTEA for the 2nd Level 5? Very unusual back in the day, unheard of now.
OP if you got your results, and they showed you achieved a successful level to pass your Degree, I just cannot see you winning your appeal unless your extentuating circumstances are very persuasive (and there is no need to post them here).

The next step for you might be your Adult Guidance Counsellor in your local VEC. They often assist with unusual appeals.

BTEA for Second Level was added in 1997 and is still part of the BTEA scheme.
http://www.welfare.ie/en/operationalguidelines/pages/bte_all.aspx

StillWaters

Balagan wrote: »

StillWaters wrote: »

They got BTEA for the 2nd Level 5? Very unusual back in the day, unheard of now.
OP if you got your results, and they showed you achieved a successful level to pass your Degree, I just cannot see you winning your appeal unless your extentuating circumstances are very persuasive (and there is no need to post them here).

The next step for you might be your Adult Guidance Counsellor in your local VEC. They often assist with unusual appeals.

BTEA for Second Level was added in 1997 and is still part of the BTEA scheme.
http://www.welfare.ie/en/operationalguidelines/pages/bte_all.aspx

You misunderstood me, I meant it is unusual to get btea to do the same level twice.

eastbono

AFAIK being refused for BTEA cannot be appealed.

Balagan

8. Can I appeal against a decision?
The Back to Education Allowance is a non-statutory scheme and, as such, if you disagree with a decision on your application you do not have a right to appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

However, you can request (in writing) a review of your case by the officer in charge of the relevant local Social Welfare Office or section, enclosing any new evidence in support of your request for a review.http://www.welfare.ie/en/publications/sw70/pages/abacktoeducationallowancebtea.aspx

cat87

Yeah I'm going to have it reviewed, I know I can't go to the social welfare appeals as the BTEA isn't written in law, but heading to the office on monday with extra documents I didn't enclose in my original application for a review so really hoping it works out! I printed out the bit from the criteria where it says you can't get the same level qualification twice, I don't have any qualification now apart from my leaving so I'm hoping it goes well..

Mims1711

Hi guys Trinity are holding a Financial Seminar for Incoming Mature Students.

It will talk about Grant Applications, BTEA, financial matters etc. Its in the
Davis Theatre from 10am to 12 noon Thursday 26th July. All those who have accepted a mature offer from TCD are welcome to attend. No need to register just turn up on the day. I'm going to head in. If anyone else is going it would be nice to meet up for a coffee