Going back to College? Check here for Mature/Disabled/Access/Grant & Fees information

CatsmcGee · 31-07-2013 8:27pm

Sorry if this question has already been asked, I couldn't see it in the thread.
I received an ordinary bachelors degree level 7 in 2007 in fine art. I have been accepted to go back this year to the same college to do a different course, but this time a level 8 and I can go straight into second year, skipping the first year foundation.
I am not sure if I am going to be eligible for BTEA, a grant or the 'free fees' as I have done 2nd and 3rd year of a course and got the level 7 degree. I am progressing in my education as advancing from level 7 to a level 8, but not sure it will be seen as this. Ive applied for both the grant through SUSI and BTEA and am waiting to hear back.
As I have been out of college for more than 5 years, would I be considered as a second chance student, qualify for BTEA and free fees? If I'm hoping to be considered as a second chance student do I have to apply somewhere else for this? Or is just through SUSI as well. I went into citizens advice, but they weren't really sure. The person in charge of the fees office is on holidays so I cant ask them!
Any help would be much appreciated. I don't know how I'm going to afford the full fees or to live if I don't get BTEA, but here's hoping.

sugoo69 · 31-07-2013 9:31pm

Thats a tought one it would depend on the new course and if you have a qualifying payment from the department of social welfare.
If you have been receiving a social welfare payment I would suggest you call the BTEA people as I found that they where the most helpful. Dont believe a WORD the SUSI people tell you and get everything either via email or in writing. Even then until you have the cash take everything with a pinch of salt.
The fees is I think the one that you may have the most difficulty with as you have had your "bite of the free fee cherry" so to speak.

www.welfare.ie to get the correc contact number - but be aware the information on this website is out of date!

bri007 · 31-07-2013 9:43pm

I am in the exact same situation as yourself. I have a level 7 and I am going back to do a Level 8 in a totally different course.

You wont get free fees for the first 3 years of your new course,as you already have that used up from the previous level 7 course. You will go back on the free fees in your 4th year of your new course, so you will have to pay for the first 3 years.

As for BTEA, as the previous post said, if you meet the criteria you have a good chance, ie social welfare payments and progressing.

Apply to susi, as they can cover your fees if you meet the income requirements.

sugoo69 · 31-07-2013 10:03pm

My best advice would be apply for everything - they can only say no & if you get everything you can always cancel. BUT tell SUSI that you are applying for BTEA & Tell BTEA that you have applied for SUSI full grant - they talk to each other so Im told. But ell them both if you get BTEA you will cancel the maintenance grant so they know you are not trying it on. Goos luck

CatsmcGee · 31-07-2013 10:46pm

Thanks for advice. I'm going into the college tomorrow to try and find out about fees. I've been on the dole for more than 12 months so hopefully I do qualify for BTEA, though I think I'm more worried about the fees at the moment!

Annasopra · 31-07-2013 11:41pm

CatsmcGee wrote: »

Thanks for advice. I'm going into the college tomorrow to try and find out about fees. I've been on the dole for more than 12 months so hopefully I do qualify for BTEA, though I think I'm more worried about the fees at the moment!

Tomorrow is the last day for SUSI - you may need to apply to susi for fees

Stereomaniac · 01-08-2013 12:19am

You should be entitled to Back To Education Allowance if you've been unemployed for that length.

CatsmcGee · 01-08-2013 2:59pm

Ive applied for SUSI. Does anyone know anything about the second chance student? If you are out of college for 5 years you might get free fees?

sugoo69 · 01-08-2013 7:59pm

Second chance students yeah but I think thats only if you didnf finish?

Citizen.ie says

However, ‘second chance students’ may be eligible for a grant. A ‘second chance student’ is someone who is aged over 23, did not successfully complete an earlier course and is returning to pursue an approved course after at least 5 years.

BinaryRyan · 01-08-2013 11:24pm

Can't find a place to ask this and rather not start a new thread on the btea allowance form under the section:
Social welfare income
would you put down your local swo or the post office that pays you for
Name and address of office that pays this payment?
I'm 99% sure just don't want to make a mistake and can ring social right now.

GL scrappy · 02-08-2013 10:23am

BinaryRyan wrote: »

Name and address of office that pays this payment?

I'm just filling out the form myself so I'm no expert but I'm pretty sure they're looking for the local social welfare office and its address.

The course I'm starting is a 2 year higher certificate in AIT, trying to find who is the awarding body and I can't find reference to it anywhere, can anybody advise?

Annasopra · 02-08-2013 11:11am

GL scrappy wrote: »

I'm just filling out the form myself so I'm no expert but I'm pretty sure they're looking for the local social welfare office and its address.

The course I'm starting is a 2 year higher certificate in AIT, trying to find who is the awarding body and I can't find reference to it anywhere, can anybody advise?

I'd say it is HETAC

abceire · 05-08-2013 11:57am

I got turned down for susi , they said I already had a fatec level 6 and I had a beta, I am doing the trinity access programme come September . I have not applied to get a beta yet as I am waiting for my social welfare claim to go thru before I apply. And I thought I could still apply for susi to do a the tap course as it is full time study not like my other fatec course I have done before?

upinthesky · 06-08-2013 8:55am

Maybe they think you will be accepted for btea? I did an access coarse last year and didn't need susi as it was 900 euro fee but the btea covered it, i know the students that didn't get btea had to pay the fee.

CatsmcGee · 15-08-2013 3:13pm

Hi guys thanks for your help. Turns out I will have to pay the fees for second and third year but I am still wondering about BTEA. I've been on JA for more than 12 months and am living at home with my parents. Does anyone know does BTEA means test your parents? I'm 28. Also does anyone have any idea if I will qualify for BTEA as I have a level 7 diploma from 2007, have completed 2nd and 3rd year of this course and now I'm going into 2nd year of a level 8 course?

bri007 · 15-08-2013 3:28pm

your in a similar situation to myself. BTEA is not means tested on parents etc, its just if you meet the required amount of days on a social welfare payment. You are progressing to a level 8, so you should get the btea. I did level 7, and I am doing a totally different course this sept at level 8. I havent got a decision on btea yet, but they intitially yold me it should be ok.

DJW11 · 15-08-2013 3:29pm

CatsmcGee wrote: »

Hi guys thanks for your help. Turns out I will have to pay the fees for second and third year but I am still wondering about BTEA. I've been on JA for more than 12 months and am living at home with my parents. Does anyone know does BTEA means test your parents? I'm 28. Also does anyone have any idea if I will qualify for BTEA as I have a level 7 diploma from 2007, have completed 2nd and 3rd year of this course and now I'm going into 2nd year of a level 8 course?

I did a 2yr level 6 engineering course in 2005, and im back in university now after transferring into year 2 of a level 8 engineering degree in the same discipline, I got BTEA and didnt have to pay any fees, jusft finished the 2nd year and going into 3rd year now. Hope this helps. Is your level 8 degree a different course, and thats why your starting in yr 2???

abceire · 16-08-2013 12:46pm

I've a place on the TAP course in Trinity, can't wait to start, I've already been in using some of the sports facilities, which is nice to get acquainted with the place. Just waiting for a my first dole payment next week so I can try applying for a BTEA.
I got turned down for a Susi grant because it said I had a BTEA but I'd not applied for it and had only put on the form that I was applying in the future.
Secondly it said I had a Fetac Level 6 already, but it was only for a part-time course. This TAP course is full time and totally different to anything I've studied before. Worth appealing ?

paperclip2 · 16-08-2013 3:06pm

abceire wrote: »

I've a place on the TAP course in Trinity, can't wait to start, I've already been in using some of the sports facilities, which is nice to get acquainted with the place. Just waiting for a my first dole payment next week so I can try applying for a BTEA.
I got turned down for a Susi grant because it said I had a BTEA but I'd not applied for it and had only put on the form that I was applying in the future.
Secondly it said I had a Fetac Level 6 already, but it was only for a part-time course. This TAP course is full time and totally different to anything I've studied before. Worth appealing ?

If you have a complete level 6, i.e enough modules to get a major award then the fact it was part time doesn't make any difference. They look at the level achieved. It would be the same for a person who completed a degree on a part-time basis, even if they paid for it themselves they usually wont be funded by SUSI to get a 2nd qualification at the same level.

If the level 6 you did was a component cert or only a few modules it might be worthwhile getting in touch with SUSI to clarify this.

CatsmcGee · 16-08-2013 3:37pm

Ok that sounds hopeful! Thanks a mill

DJW11 wrote: »

I did a 2yr level 6 engineering course in 2005, and im back in university now after transferring into year 2 of a level 8 engineering degree in the same discipline, I got BTEA and didnt have to pay any fees, jusft finished the 2nd year and going into 3rd year now. Hope this helps. Is your level 8 degree a different course, and thats why your starting in yr 2???

It's a different course, but the first year is the same - it's just a foundation year that I had done already with my level 7 so I was able to transfer into 2nd year.
Fingers crossed they approve the btea. How long does it take to hear back from them? I put in my form a month ago.
I'll go in and ask Monday I think.

Mr.Saturn · 17-08-2013 8:38pm

Anybody ever get that one where you double-staple your acceptance/admin/confirmation letter to the actual BTEA application, hand it in personally, and they get back to you, a month later, with a letter saying 'congrats, app successful; please enclose your confirmation letter before payment's issued in the prepaid envelope provided.' Then, after all that, there's no prepaid envelope?

No? Just me?

abceire · 18-08-2013 12:49pm

Lovely, I'd to wait to get back getting a payment before I apply, so i'll be doing similar next week, sending it all in, I was told they won't be looking at BTEA applications until the end of August, so maybe that's why you got your stuff sent back?

Mr.Saturn · 18-08-2013 1:02pm

Perhaps. I think it was just a case of a clerical error/automated letter, and I'll just be told 'sure, we already have that' tomorrow, but I'm suitably cautious, considering a lot of the horror stories I've heard.

Long Term Louth · 18-08-2013 1:07pm

I think you have to register on the course before you get a BTEA payment, therefore a letter of registration from the college etc is required.

Maldesu · 18-08-2013 1:55pm

Long Term Louth wrote: »

I think you have to register on the course before you get a BTEA payment, therefore a letter of registration from the college etc is required.

Yep. I have to give them one to say I'm officially registered at the college. You need to give them one each year. The CAO letters only confirm you got a place on the course, but it doesn't tell them that you showed up to the college and signed up for the year

Mr.Saturn · 18-08-2013 7:33pm

I handed Social Protection a letter from UCD last month, stating I was registered full-time for 3 years, having asked admissions for one of those letter used for a BTEA app. Is there some nuance I'm missing, or should I've just gotten a confirmation of my BTEA starting in September having handed in a reg letter?

Maldesu · 18-08-2013 8:53pm

Depends what the letter from admissions said. I don't know how you could be registered a month ago when registration only started last week. What you can do when you have registered for classes etc is this (since you are in UCD) - Go to your SIS Web account, under the tab Registration, Fees and Assessments go to 'My Official Documents' and Electronic Documents and print of the Certificate of Attendance.
This is what I gave my local office last year and they had me changed over to the payment shortly after that.

Mr.Saturn · 18-08-2013 9:29pm

Registered, as acknowledged by UCD as an incoming full-time student, and not that I've put down for any modules yet. Pardon the confusion; I don't get my SIS thingy 'til next week, with the welcome pack and all. Thank you for the pointers, though.

I shall try again with admissions letter, mind, considering it fits what SW outlined in their recent correspondence.

Maldesu · 18-08-2013 10:11pm

Mr.Saturn wrote: »

Registered, as acknowledged by UCD as an incoming full-time student, and not that I've put down for any modules yet. Pardon the confusion; I don't get my SIS thingy 'til next week, with the welcome pack and all. Thank you for the pointers, though.

I shall try again with admissions letter, mind, considering it fits what SW outlined in their recent correspondence.

Acknowledged as going to attend and having the registration document would be viewed as different. You can accept the place but could still avoid going. Until you are registered in classes, BTEA don't really consider you actually in the college. Once you start registering for classes, you should have no issue accessing the Letter of Attendance.

abceire · 20-08-2013 2:21pm

BTEA how do you apply, I have the form here, so I fill it in now and give it in with my offer from the college? and have to go back with the registar letter when I reg for classes?

Maldesu · 20-08-2013 3:39pm

abceire wrote: »

BTEA how do you apply, I have the form here, so I fill it in now and give it in with my offer from the college? and have to go back with the registar letter when I reg for classes?

Fill it in and hand it in as soon as you can so they can start checking your details etc. You can give them a copy of the offer to show you have a place, but they will want a Proof of Attendance letter or something from the Registrars Office to show you are fully registered.

lilsparkle69 · 20-08-2013 10:11pm

Hi

I filled in and sent in my BTEA form at the start of July and still haven't heard anything. Since then I have applied to SUSI, accepted a course in DIT and registered for the course today. It says I have to pay the fee of 2500 euro, and I'm just wondering do I need to pay now and BTEA gives the amount back? Or do I just wait and Btea/ SUSI pays?

Fees need to be paid by Sep. 16th so I'm quite worried.

Long Term Louth · 20-08-2013 11:47pm

lilsparkle69 wrote: »

Hi

I filled in and sent in my BTEA form at the start of July and still haven't heard anything. Since then I have applied to SUSI, accepted a course in DIT and registered for the course today. It says I have to pay the fee of 2500 euro, and I'm just wondering do I need to pay now and BTEA gives the amount back? Or do I just wait and Btea/ SUSI pays?

Fees need to be paid by Sep. 16th so I'm quite worried.

BTEA have nothing to do with registration fees. If you are entitled to free fees these will be met by SUSI. I would wait for a reply from SUSI before you pay any fees.

abceire · 21-08-2013 10:40am

Maldesu wrote: »

Fill it in and hand it in as soon as you can so they can start checking your details etc. You can give them a copy of the offer to show you have a place, but they will want a Proof of Attendance letter or something from the Registrars Office to show you are fully registered.

I rang them Tuesday, the BTEA people, very friendly and helpful they are. The guy said just drop in the form and when you registar drop in that proof. Easy peezz.

abceire · 21-08-2013 10:41am

The Social Welfare office said the btea people don't really do much until the end of August, so that might be why people haven't heard much even if they left in the form in July.

Twilightning · 21-08-2013 1:15pm

Hi, I was wondering if I could get some help.

I applied to do a part-time diploma course with BIMM in DIT and I was just given a place today. However, they require a €300 by next week and then €1395 due after that by around mid-September and I was wondering if there's any specific avenues I could go down quickly to help with payment? I'm currently on JSA and I applied to SUSI earlier on in the year and they got back to me with some documentation I've to send out, but I've been told that SUSI more than likely won't help me with this.

Is there anything I can do?

Annasopra · 21-08-2013 1:35pm

Twilightning wrote: »

Hi, I was wondering if I could get some help.

I applied to do a part-time diploma course with BIMM in DIT and I was just given a place today. However, they require a €300 by next week and then €1395 due after that by around mid-September and I was wondering if there's any specific avenues I could go down quickly to help with payment? I'm currently on JSA and I applied to SUSI earlier on in the year and they got back to me with some documentation I've to send out, but I've been told that SUSI more than likely won't help me with this.

Is there anything I can do?

If it's a part time course SUSI won't help

Are you registered with FAS or LES? sometimes they can help you get a TESG grant

Twilightning · 21-08-2013 2:00pm

mango salsa wrote: »

If it's a part time course SUSI won't help

Are you registered with FAS or LES? sometimes they can help you get a TESG grant

No, I'm not registered with either. Are there any other ways?

Annasopra · 22-08-2013 9:27am

Twilightning wrote: »

No, I'm not registered with either. Are there any other ways?

I don't think so - you would have had to register with FAS to go on jobseekers though!

missinginfo · 29-08-2013 1:49pm

hi, can i get rent supplement in the summer from coco last grant in june and things gone very tight should i apply for rent supplement? until 1st susi payment in mid october?

abceire · 29-08-2013 2:40pm

I got approved for a BTEA, I'm cuffed. Just have to wait for reg with the college. Can you get rent help as well? Does BTEA pay you in the summer? I get 188 on JA is it 160 on BTEA? I believe you can work and get BTEA , does it work like the dole, were you just don't get paid for the days you've worked?

paperclip2 · 29-08-2013 4:01pm

abceire wrote: »

I got approved for a BTEA, I'm cuffed.

Congrats:)

abceire wrote: »

Can you get rent help as well?

Usually you have to be on Rent Allowance before getting BTEA.

abceire wrote: »

Does BTEA pay you in the summer?

No. You usually have to sign back on or work during the summer. This wont affect your payment if you are progressing from year 1 to year 2, 3,4 of your course.

abceire wrote: »

I get 188 on JA is it 160 on BTEA?

No, on BTEA you get the same amount as you would if you were on JA. Its only people under 25 that get the €160.

abceire wrote: »

I believe you can work and get BTEA , does it work like the dole, were you just don't get paid for the days you've worked?

No. Usually your allowance remains the same and you don't have to declare your earnings as long as you remain a full-time student.

Just be aware that there has been a big revision of the BTEA scheme in the last few weeks and a couple of changes have been made to it lately. It would be a good idea to check the fine details with your local office.

What I've put up there are the rules etc that have applied up to now.

abceire · 29-08-2013 9:09pm

paperclip2 wrote: »

Congrats:)

Usually you have to be on Rent Allowance before getting BTEA.

No. You usually have to sign back on or work during the summer. This wont affect your payment if you are progressing from year 1 to year 2, 3,4 of your course.

No, on BTEA you get the same amount as you would if you were on JA. Its only people under 25 that get the €160.

No. Usually your allowance remains the same and you don't have to declare your earnings as long as you remain a full-time student.

Just be aware that there has been a big revision of the BTEA scheme in the last few weeks and a couple of changes have been made to it lately. It would be a good idea to check the fine details with your local office.

What I've put up there are the rules etc that have applied up to now.

Thank you an amazing post!

Panthro · 03-12-2013 1:06am

Can mature students claim JSA over the Xmas? I'll be off college for the best part of a month.
I'm not on BTEA, but I am getting the grant from my VEC.
Thanks!

noisenotmusic · 03-12-2013 2:41am

You'll keep getting the VEC payments all through the holidays. You might get one week where there's a "double" payment but it's just because banks aren't open Christmas week.

paperclip2 · 03-12-2013 10:15am

Panthro wrote: »

Can mature students claim JSA over the Xmas? I'll be off college for the best part of a month.
I'm not on BTEA, but I am getting the grant from my VEC.
Thanks!

If you're on VTOS that will be paid as normal. If you are getting the maintenance grant then no afaik you can't claim JSA as you aren't technically available for work. But double check with DSP to make sure.

bri007 · 03-12-2013 11:04am

I think you can get it in the summer when college term is finished but not during the christmas break

paperclip2 · 03-12-2013 12:43pm

bri007 wrote: »

I think you can get it in the summer when college term is finished but not during the christmas break

Yes, you can get it for the summer period if you qualify

abceire · 03-12-2013 1:26pm

I've got some part time work for the xmas period, how does that work with getting the BTEA? Do I need to inform social? I'm full time student, but off for a month over xmas. Do I get less social the days I worked part time?

paperclip2 · 03-12-2013 2:50pm

You can do part-time work on BTEA without it affecting your payment.

BTEA participants may engage in part-time employment at no cost without affecting their rate of payment but only after commencing BTEA, provided the work does not interfere with college attendance. However, any change in the financial circumstances of the spouse/partner will effect increases for qualified adult/child dependent allowance.

Taken from BTEA operational guidelines, section 1.16.2: http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/Back-to-Education-Allowance-Scheme.aspx#1.5

Going back to College? Check here for Mature/Disabled/Access/Grant & Fees information

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