Back to Education Allowance - Repeating one Subject?

ShaShaBear

Was wondering if anyone has any experience with this? I failed one written exam for second year and have to go back and sit one semester - just from the end of January until May. I'll be registered as a student officially and have to pay €400 to repeat the subject. I read that I won't be eligible for BTEA because I will only be in the college part time (7 hours a week maximum). Question is, I don't know if I will be a part time student because I am only repeating one subject, or will I technically be registered as full-time because it is a full-time course?

I was told about the part-time BTEA but was told it's usually case by case, and they can't even process a claim until I hand over the €400 to the college, but if I don't get the BTEA, I won't be able to afford to attend!

amtw

I have come across a case like this before and unfortunately the person didn't get BTEA to repeat the module that they failed. Also becasue they had been on jobseekers Allowance before they got BTEA when they went back to their local Social Welfare Office to sign on they were told that they weren't entitled to JA as they weren't available for full time work because they were attending college 1 day a week. It's an anomoly and I would be really interested to know how you get on. Good luck.

ShaShaBear

amtw wrote: »

I have come across a case like this before and unfortunately the person didn't get BTEA to repeat the module that they failed. Also becasue they had been on jobseekers Allowance before they got BTEA when they went back to their local Social Welfare Office to sign on they were told that they weren't entitled to JA as they weren't available for full time work because they were attending college 1 day a week. It's an anomoly and I would be really interested to know how you get on. Good luck.

It really is On the welfare site it states that it would be granted if they believed the person was still actively looking for work and would consider any job opportunity over further attending the course, and if the person would be more likely to be employed after finishing the course. In my case, both count - more obviously since I have no qualifications, and finishing a degree in Science would leave me much better off! Again, as far as I know they do it on a case-by-case basis, so I guess I'm going to have to appeal to someone's better nature :rolleyes:

tony81

You simply have to say you're looking for full-time work and the course is only part-time. As long as you're entitled to JSA there shouldn't be a problem (means-test and parent's means if you're under 25)

ShaShaBear

tony81 wrote: »

You simply have to say you're looking for full-time work and the course is only part-time. As long as you're entitled to JSA there shouldn't be a problem (means-test and parent's means if you're under 25)

Well I'm 25 and living alone so I imagine the means test won't make a difference, will just have to hope it's not 400 bucks wasted - the college won't refund me if I can't attend!

ShaShaBear

amtw wrote: »

I have come across a case like this before and unfortunately the person didn't get BTEA to repeat the module that they failed. Also becasue they had been on jobseekers Allowance before they got BTEA when they went back to their local Social Welfare Office to sign on they were told that they weren't entitled to JA as they weren't available for full time work because they were attending college 1 day a week. It's an anomoly and I would be really interested to know how you get on. Good luck.

Just an update for you, I got approved yesterday for the part-time education scheme (which is essentially retaining your JA while you attend college part time). My SW office told me to go direct to Dundalk, as it's head office, and to ask them about it. They got me to fill in the form for BTEA, marked that I was repeating, and I gave them a letter that stated I would be doing 5 hours per week on the course. Deciding officer happened to be about, and she approved me on the spot