Question about Disability benefit

Patient11

Just wondering if your allowed to claim disability benefit and go to college at the same time ? either full or part time.

In my situation I would not be well enough to hold down a full time job but I could just about manage going to college for a few days a week.

Patient11

Can anyone answer this please.

Surreptitious

If it's only a few days a week then you wouldn't be a full time student. What kind of course were you thinking of?

Surreptitious

AFAIK you can switch to BTEA which will pay you the same rate and allow you to study but you won't be elligle for a grant then or a full grant.

Patient11

Surreptitious wrote: »

AFAIK you can switch to BTEA which will pay you the same rate and allow you to study but you won't be elligle for a grant then or a full grant.

I don't think you can claim BTEA if your not well enough to attend college full time.

The problem I have is that I can be ok for a few days then I can be housebound for up to a week at a time.

Gatling

Have you looked into a fetac course or something run in your local area

Surreptitious

Patient11 wrote: »

I don't think you can claim BTEA if your not well enough to attend college full time.

The problem I have is that I can be ok for a few days then I can be housebound for up to a week at a time.

Have you considered an online course where you could still claim benefits and take it somewhat easy?

bisset

The nearest National Learning Network or local ETB may be able to advise you

Owryan

You can go to college full time and keep your Disability Allowance payment, you may also be able to apply for and recieve the maintenance grant from SUSI.

http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/swpayments_grant.aspx

http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/Can-I-take-up-employment-education-or-training-and-still-ge.aspx

zef

Hi, I went to college on Disability Allowance, and received the grant also- 280 p.m in my case, handy for coursebooks/ lunches etc.

Most colleges have supports in place for students with disabilities, and I have seen students get special grants towards laptops/ iPads etc also.

There is also a payment you can apply for if you are on a tight budget, have bills mounting up etc- you can apply once per term - I forget what its called as I never applied, but a few I know did.

The college will hopefully have a Disability Officer who can met you regularly and advise you on absolutely everything, from managing coursework/ late deadlines to financial supports.

I did a full time level 8 Arts and it was 3 days a week, with one lecture on a Wed, and Friday off. (p.s.- i went to Maynooth, it was a really friendly and Disability Friendly Uni.)

The SVdP may also help you with your registration fee (100e) if you were to ask. Good luck! Have you applied for SUSI fees/ grant?