September, 2002
Department of Social, Community & Family affairs.dscfa
Back to Education Allowance...btea
The Back to Education Allowance(BTEA) is an educational opportunity scheme for the unemployed people and loan parents.BTEA replaces the Second and Third Level allowance schemes previously administered by the Department of Social Community and Family Affairs. The allowances are payable to people who wish to pursue approved second or third level educational courses.BTEA is not an unemployment payment, participants receive a standard rate of payment which is not means tested.
How to Qualify.
To
qualify for a Back To Education Allowance(BTEA) you must be
Age:
At
least 21 years of age and 24 years of age third level post graduate
course.
Social welfare payments: Obtaining one of the following social welfare payments for
at least 6 months
Unemployment Assistance or Unemployment Benefit, one Parent family payment, Blind
Persons Pensions, Disability Allowance.
Signing On: Will be arranged to suit your course.
Application; Contact your local second/third level educational institution to obtain further and updated information/details. Notify the DSCFA and complete FORM EOS-1
You can attend a second level course of education
Suitability:
For those out of school for some time and who would like to return to full time study.
Location:
At
any Vocational, Community, Comprehensive or Secondary School.
Duration:
The
course must be full-time
Certification: The Course will lead to a certificate recognised by the Department of Education and Science or approved by the National Council of Vocation Awards. (NVCA) e.g. the Junior Certificate, Leaving Certificates,Post Leaving Certificate, or a City and Guilds Certificate. Education Requirements: None
You can attend a third level education
Suitability:
For those out of school for a some time and who would like to return to full time study.If you already hold one undergraduate / postgraduate third level qualification an application for further a qualification will be considered in exceptional circumstances only.
Location:
At any University, Third Level College, or Institution provided that the course is full-time course of study and is approved by the Department of Education and Science for Education grant purposes, or for European Structural Fund(ESF) grant purposes, or for the National Council for Educational Award (NCEA) recognition.
Third Level Grants:
In addition to your weekly social welfare payment, maintenance grants to which you may be entitled from the Department of education and science or your local authority will be paid.