Back To Education Allowance Question

Naraka

I've applied for a munber of third level courses. I've been unemployed since last July. I have previously completed a Bachelors Degree (Level 7), during which I got a VEC grant. The courses that I applied for are also level 7. Does anyone know if I will be eligible for the Back to Education Allowance despite having already completed a course?

Encrypted Pigeon

AFAIK you have to be progressing to a level higher than the one you have i.e if you have a level 5 then you need to be going for a level 6 and so on. I think you should discuss it with your local office because they might make an exception although I don't know how often that happens.

bri007

I was told in my social welfare office that I have to be progressing. I have a level 7, and I can't do another level 7 course. It has to be a level 8 Degree in order to get the btea.

I am looking at doing a level 8, and have been told I will get it. But no one knows until actually apply. As the post previously said, they may make an exception, but unlikely.

Is there any level 8 in a course you could do?

Rasmus

I concur with the others, you must move on to a level 8 in order to get funding.

Cravez

To note I think this would be an add-on year and not a full level 8 degree. I.e the add-on year will make turn your level 7 degree into a level 8. I highly doubt you'll get free fee's, grants and/or BTEA for a full 3/4 year level 8 degree.

hairycakes

Hey guys,

Have a similar question. I've a degree already and want to go back to do Midwifery. It wont be until '14 that I'd be hoping to start. I may be eligable for Single Family Payment due to decrease in wages recently. I understand I'm liable for fees and have been saving and putting plans in place for this but wondering does anyone know can I keep the single family payment while I go to college?

Thanks in advance