Mature Student after being abroad for 3years

Gus Ivey

Firstly, I find this very confusing trying to get answers from the Sticky threads as my situation is a bit unique and I'm not sure about what I am or am not entitled to. Sorry to the websites admin, but it is just easier for me to get answers directly related to my situation.

I worked for 6years full time up until 2010 when I emigrated to Australia & New Zealand for over 3years and have just returned back to Ireland a few days ago. I am back living with my father who is retired.


I have been accepted for a couple of different courses which I am keen to do.

I know I am not entitled to the normal social welfare benefit because I would not be seeking work but a student.
I have not been claiming the dole for the last 9 months so I know I could not claim BTEA, but is there any other benefit I may be entitled to?

If I was to turn down college and seeked employment instead, would I be entitled to claiming the dole?

I am a bit anxious as Im starting to fear I may not be entitled to any benefits no matter what I choose to do. I find that really backwards as I have only ever worked Full time since after my Leaving Cert and I have never claimed a penny from the Government.

Thanks for your help on this, I really appreciate it.

Boombastic

Gus Ivey wrote: »

Firstly, I find this very confusing trying to get answers from the Sticky threads as my situation is a bit unique and I'm not sure about what I am or am not entitled to. Sorry to the websites admin, but it is just easier for me to get answers directly related to my situation.

I worked for 6years full time up until 2010 when I emigrated to Australia & New Zealand for over 3years and have just returned back to Ireland a few days ago. I am back living with my father who is retired.


I have been accepted for a couple of different courses which I am keen to do.

I know I am not entitled to the normal social welfare benefit because I would not be seeking work but a student.
I have not been claiming the dole for the last 9 months so I know I could not claim BTEA, but is there any other benefit I may be entitled to?

If I was to turn down college and seeked employment instead, would I be entitled to claiming the dole?

I am a bit anxious as Im starting to fear I may not be entitled to any benefits no matter what I choose to do. I find that really backwards as I have only ever worked Full time since after my Leaving Cert and I have never claimed a penny from the Government.

Thanks for your help on this, I really appreciate it.

Having been abroad 3/5 years you may also be charged non-eu fees, just something else to investigate. There was an article in the paper about that the other day.

You could try applying to the county council/ vec grants which would pay your fees and may also get a maintenance grant, it.s not that much.


If you turn down college, I think you can sign on

wmpdd3

You can sign on but you will find yourself in the whole 'habitual residence' category.

Your best bet might be to sign on now and go through the process even though you may not be paid for months and look at BTEA for next year, you could do a FAS course later when your JSA comes through.