Will I be eligible for the back to education allowance?

Pete29

Hey.

I was in my final year of college this year but didn't sit my exams and missed most of my school year for health reasons. I can't repeat exams because I just don't know the material on the course well enough.

My only real option would be to repeat the year but I can't afford the cost of living by myself since I've been looking for work but haven't found any yet and can't afford repeat fees either. I explained the situation to my Uni and they suggested I take a leave of absence for the year and see if I can get my finances sorted and see if I can return next year once I've some money saved

Currently I'm on job seekers allowance. I'm still looking for work but unsuccessful so far; I am applying for volunteer work also.

I've been thinking about taking a one year course in my local ETB but I'm wondering will I qualify for back to education allowance because I currently have a leave of absence from Uni, but I don't know if I'll able to be even return next year because I doubt I'll have the money to given my financial situation now.

Does anyone have any experience with these kind of situations or advice? I'd appreciate any help.

2Mad2BeMad

how long have you been on jsa? also how old are you?

I know you need to be out of school at least 2 years
be on the social welfare for at least 6months ( I think could be 9months ) not sure if this is in a row of 9months or 9months altogether between courses etc..
and be over 23 ( think this only applies if you have not been on it for 9months)

Best of going in and asking the social welfare themselves
no harm in trying

Pete29

Since the beginning of May. I'm 24.

Thanks for the reply. I checked things out at my local citizens information office.