Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 99: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person who is participating in the return to education scheme is entitled to retain rent allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26090/05]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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People in full-time education are excluded normally from receipt of rent supplement under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. However, people participating in approved courses under the back to education allowance scheme receive a standard weekly rate of payment equivalent to the maximum rate of their previous social welfare payment and may retain any secondary benefits, such as rent supplements, which had been in payment prior to the commencement of their education course. Entitlement is subject to a means test. People availing of the back to education allowance should contact their local community welfare officer to clarify their continuing entitlement to rent supplement in their new circumstances.