Back to Education Allowance and part time work?

runswithascript

From welfare.ie FAQ:

Q7. Can I work part time and claim BTEA?

Yes, participants may commence part-time work while on the BTEA without affecting their rate of payment. However, any income which you or your spouse get is assessable for Rent Allowance, Mortgage Interest Supplement or Fuel Allowance and so these payments may be affected.

I have been working part time before before receiving Back to Education Allowance and I always received the full BTEA payment. I was told this year that because I had my part time job before BTEA I would only receive BTEA equivalent to whatever social welfare payment I was on beforehand. In my case I was in receipt of the casual payment as I was working, which is roughly ~€100.

This puts me in a position where I would only receive the full BTEA rate if I quit my job - a job which is in the industry I am studying, offering experience etc. I am then free to take up a job again, without affecting BTEA. This makes absolutely no sense, as it almost promotes not working. A deciding officer came to speak with me and they basically told me this is the way things are since 2013, I and if I received the full amount in 2014 or 2013 that was a mistake. I asked if I could appeal and she told me there is no appealing. I went to reception and wrote up an appeal form all the same.

Anyone else in a similar position, and are you receiving the full BTEA?

eastbono

When were you first granted BTEA... was it prior to 2013 and if so is this a continutation... if it is you should appeal the decision.

runswithascript

eastbono wrote: »

When were you first granted BTEA... was it prior to 2013 and if so is this a continutation... if it is you should appeal the decision.

I went through access programmes, the first was 2012, and I am now at degree level, I am not sure if that counts as a continuation or not? I started the degree last year but I was very unwell and too weak to continue the year so after providing letters from my consultant etc my university allowed me to return this September to repeat. Intreo told me I would resume BTEA this September also - which I have, but not at the same rate.

eastbono

If you only commenced BTEA last year then any earnings from employment will be assessed as means against your payment. Between your job and what you receive on BTEA you must surely have more than what you would if you were on the basic BTEA payment.

runswithascript

eastbono wrote: »

If you only commenced BTEA last year then any earnings from employment will be assessed as means against your payment. Between your job and what you receive on BTEA you must surely have more than what you would if you were on the basic BTEA payment.

I started receiving it in 2012 but even last year it was not means tested.

Yes I have more than what I would receive on just a BTEA payment, but for the pleasure the shifts I work include every Friday night and Saturday, and I have less than half the time to study and work on assignments than those not working.

My issue is that the rate was changed from last year, and that they will give me the full rate if I quit my job, and they will not reduce it if I take up another job. I should not have to quit a job to get the full rate when they would not reduce the rate if I took up another job!

runswithascript

Success!

So although my application is in Dublin, Citizen's Information recommended I speak with the BTEA section in Leitrim, and I made my case to them. I also called a local TD's office and did same. After this I received another call from the BTEA section in Leitrim to advise they had spoken with the local office, and that they were now going over my case from start to finish. Then yesterday I received notification from the TD's office that it has been decided I am to receive the full BTEA rate, and arrears backdated to when my course started!

When I called the TD's office to thank them then I reiterated how it makes no sense that a student working a part time job before being awarded the BTEA receives a reduced rate but that if they were to take up the same job after receiving BTEA their is no deduction. I also emphasised how due to this some students would be giving up secure employment to receive the full rate. I asked if there was anything that could be done to address this policy for others, and I am told they are aware of the issue and that they will address it.

eastbono

Sorry havent been on for a while. As you started your BTEA in 2012 then of course you should have been under the old guidelines. Im glad that your TD is going to address the issue mentioned above by you. It is a major flaw in the new guidelines introduced by the government.