Changes to the BTEA scheme

paperclip2

The updated operational guidelines are now up on the DSP site. It might be worthwhile having a read through if you are applying for the payment in the coming year:

http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/Back-to-Education-Allowance-Scheme.aspx

bri007

That only updated on their website the past couple of weeks, seemingly it got passed into affect on January 2013, but nobody knew about it until now! I met the criteria before it changed, now I am not entitled to it

Annasopra

bri007 wrote: »

That only updated on their website the past couple of weeks, seemingly it got passed into affect on January 2013, but nobody knew about it until now! I met the criteria before it changed, now I am not entitled to it

What criteria has changed that changes your eligibility?

paperclip2

Bri that's awful. I know that even up to a couple of months ago local offices were still using to old operational guidelines when you looked for info on BTEA. The rule change has been implemented in a very shoddy fashion with no time for people to make alternative arrangements even where they can do so.

bri007

I was informed all along I was getting it, even rang me to say all I need is the registration from college letter, it means i cant go to college now

paperclip2 wrote: »

Bri that's awful. I know that even up to a couple of months ago local offices were still using to old operational guidelines when you looked for info on BTEA. The rule change has been implemented in a very shoddy fashion with no time for people to make alternative arrangements even where they can do so.

bri007

I even have a letter from Jaon burton stating i met the criteria, was in with citizine information,they still had the old system and were shocked! Cant believe it

Annasopra

bri007 wrote: »

I even have a letter from Jaon burton stating i met the criteria, was in with citizine information,they still had the old system and were shocked! Cant believe it

But what criteria changed?

bri007

Basically I have a level 7 Diploma in engineering,there is no follow on course for my award. Up until August 2013, they were allowing me to do a different course, and progress to a level 8 honours degree. I got confirmation from my local welfare office, btea head office in carrick on shannon, citizen advice, Joan Burton stating i am progressing and I should get the btea once its a higher award from what i have.

My local office rejected me,as it has changed, it has to be the same qualification i am pursuing.

Annasopra

bri007 wrote: »

Basically I have a level 7 Diploma in engineering,there is no follow on course for my award. Up until August 2013, they were allowing me to do a different course, and progress to a level 8 honours degree. I got confirmation from my local welfare office, btea head office in carrick on shannon, citizen advice, Joan Burton stating i am progressing and I should get the btea once its a higher award from what i have.

My local office rejected me,as it has changed, it has to be the same qualification i am pursuing.

Ah I see

http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/Back-to-Education-Allowance-Scheme.aspx

A person holding a level 7 degree can only apply for a level 8 add- on year (honours bachelor degree) in the same discipline and is not eligible for new level 8 degree course in a different discipline.

If I was in your position I would go further with this - possibly journalists or the Ombudsman

ShaShaBear

mango salsa wrote: »

Ah I see

http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/Back-to-Education-Allowance-Scheme.aspx



If I was in your position I would go further with this - possibly journalists or the Ombudsman

Wow, guess I'm really lucky that the fourth year I was planning to do is an add-on to my current course! :mad:

bri007

I will, although my local office told me im wasting my time. I just cant believe it, I actually have it in writing i am entitled to it dated 05 May 2013 from Joan Burton.

They just keep refering to the new changes now,and i dont meet them

mango salsa wrote: »

Ah I see

http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/Back-to-Education-Allowance-Scheme.aspx



If I was in your position I would go further with this - possibly journalists or the Ombudsman

bri007

Can I go to an ombudsman ye? Social welfare office told me all I can do it request a different officer to check it again and thats it. I cant appeal the decision

Long Term Louth

bri007 wrote: »

Basically I have a level 7 Diploma in engineering,there is no follow on course for my award. Up until August 2013, they were allowing me to do a different course, and progress to a level 8 honours degree. I got confirmation from my local welfare office, btea head office in carrick on shannon, citizen advice, Joan Burton stating i am progressing and I should get the btea once its a higher award from what i have.

My local office rejected me,as it has changed, it has to be the same qualification i am pursuing.

The changes state;

"A person holding a level 7 degree can only apply for a level 8 add- on year (honours bachelor degree) in the same discipline and is not eligible for new level 8 degree course in a different discipline".

A level 7 diploma is a national diploma, not a degree, If it were me I would insist on meeting with the facilitator at my local SWO

bri007

Thanks everyone for your help and advice, I just got hit for six,due to start college next week,only got this letter yesterday,even do I had it in there since start of May.

paperclip2

Bri as an alternative would your course be available through the Springboard scheme.This wouldn't affect a Jobseekers payment.

Take care of yourself.

bri007

Hi Paperclip2, unfortunately its not available on springboard scheme. I have a meeting with a TD later this afternoon,and I have to go back to the nice person that was dealing with me in the past in Citizen advice.

I am not confident of the BTEA dept about over ruling the decision!

If I even had a bit more notice, I could have a bit of time to think of something, but I start next week. Going to try the credit union again, but I would need some sort of income.

Thanks for everyone's comments and help, and the PM's i have got from people in support.

Bri007

paperclip2 wrote: »

Bri as an alternative would your course be available through the Springboard scheme.This wouldn't affect a Jobseekers payment.

Take care of yourself.