BTEA and Grants

LynnersMcD

Hi folks

I was made redundant in March of this year and have been on Job Seekers allowance for the last 5months. I've been accepted onto a Masters course at one of the NUIs starting in September and applied to SUSI to have my tuition fees paid. However, I think the max they'll cover is €6,500 and my course is €9,000. Is it possible to refuse the grant and apply for the BTEA instead? If I refuse the grant will this affect my BTEA application? Am a bit confused about it all and don't want to do something that might jeopardise any potential financial assistance. Any help or advice from people in similar situations would be really appreciated.

Agent_99

No BTEA for Masters

Postgraduate courses

You can get the Back to Education Allowance for a postgraduate course of study that leads to a Higher Diploma (H.Dip.) qualification in any discipline or a Graduate Diploma in Education (primary and secondary teaching). Other types of postgraduate qualifications are not recognised for BTEA.

You will not get BTEA if you already have a postgraduate qualification.

LynnersMcD

Oh no, really? Have you been down this road yourself? I have been told conflicting info from various sources, including Social Welfare who said people are assessed on a case by case basis. I also thought you had to be claiming for 6mths prior to the course commencement but have now seen it is 9mths. I am totally and completely confused at this stage!

Maldesu

It used to be 6 months but I think it was changed about a year ago.

Info here on BTEA
http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/back_to_education/back_to_education_allowance.html

LynnersMcD

Thanks for that.

There are various posts on the websites though that are making me very confused. There is a section on Masters that says if it is with a University (??) then you are elligible. Or this one from welfare.ie for example:
Persons awarded Statutory Redundancy under Irish legislation may have immediate access to the BTEA scheme, (or within one year) of the award of the Statutory Redundancy, provided an entitlement to a relevant Social Welfare payment is established prior to commencing an approved course of study.

I'll keep digging!

LynnersMcD

Finally got a straight answer from Welfare directly and Masters are not covered as you rightly stated. Oh well, I shall have to find another way!

batistuta9

can you get BTEA if your going on to do a 4th year (Hons. Bachelor degree) after you've gotten BTEA for the ordinary degree?

bennyineire

batistuta9 wrote: »

can you get BTEA if your going on to do a 4th year (Hons. Bachelor degree) after you've gotten BTEA for the ordinary degree?

Yes you can

mary21

try do your masters through http://www.springboardcourses.ie/ most colleges covered. and if you apply through spring board you keep what ever welfare payments you are on.

spiner

Just wonering I filled out the grant application for student grant on line and have heard no reply from them did anyone that appled has anyone got a reply?

mary21

yes, I did but I applied the end a June, two weeks later i got a letter asking for supporting documents (p21 ect.)