Signing credits and btea?

1moo345

Hi all

Sorry if it's a silly q, I searched but couldn't find an answer.

I was on JSA up until a month ago. I was then moved onto no payment but signing credits because of my partners wages.

I have thankfully received a cao offer today, my question is, can you qualify for BTEA if you are signing credits? I was on JSA for 9mths prior.

Thanks!

Conall Cernach

I think so but the amount you get is linked to the amount of your current payment.
In your case that looks like you wouldn't get any money. Here's what Citizens Information say:

"Unemployment or illness credits

If you are signing on for unemployment credits or submitting medical certificates for illness credits, for the required period of time (either 3, 9, 12 months or 2 years depending on your course), you may qualify to participate in the BTEA scheme on a non-payment basis. This means that you do not get a weekly Back to Education Allowance. You continue to be awarded credited contributions while you are taking part in the BTEA scheme.

If you are participating in the BTEA scheme on a non-payment basis, you can also apply for a student grant to be assessed for both the fee and maintenance component of the grant."
http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/back_to_education/back_to_education_allowance.html

1moo345

Ahh, ok, so in that case, I won't be paid but I can still apply for the grant to cover fees?

That would make it possible! Thank you so much.