Written answers
Tuesday, 15 July 2014
Department of Social Protection
Back to Education Allowance Eligibility
Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
369. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the measures she has implemented to ensure college applicants for the back to education schemes for the 2014 and 2015 year will be advised of their eligibility prior to the commencement of courses in 2014-15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30941/14]
Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
The back to education (BTEA) programme is a second-chance education scheme for jobseekers, lone parents and people with disabilities who are in receipt of certain social welfare payments. Under the BTEA, income support is provided to allow jobseekers undertake a second-level or third-level course to improve their education and skills.
In May 2014, I announced a number of enhancements to the BTEA designed to further support the policies outlined in the Government’s Pathways to Work strategy, which seeks to help 75,000 long-term unemployed people return to work by the end of 2015. The key enhancements expanded the BTEA to support (a) the new Professional Master’s in Education; (b) opportunities for those holding Level 5 or 6 qualification under the National Framework of Qualifications to undertaken further study at either of these levels, subject to the additional study furthering their professional/career development and work prospects; and (c) the Department of Education and Skills’ Springboard and Momentum initiatives.
In addition, and in line with Pathways to Work, revised application and selection processes have been introduced.
Primary responsibility for establish eligibility for BTEA for the forthcoming academic year rests with the jobseeker. Jobseekers wishing to pursue a course of study should contact their local DSP office/Intreo centre to enquire about the eligibility requirements for the particular course of study. Revised application and selection processes have been introduced to support jobseekers, to advise them on eligibility requirements and the implications, if any of summer/seasonal and part-time employment. Potential applicants are being advised to make early contact with the Department and not to wait until course offers are confirmed by the Central Applications Office or other educational providers.
Clare Burke
Posted on 21 Sep 2014 9:34 pm (Report this comment)
Revised application and selection processes have been introduced to support jobseekers, to advise them on eligibility requirements and the implications, if any of summer/seasonal and part-time employment. Potential applicants are being advised to make early contact with the Department and not to wait until course offers are confirmed by the Central Applications Office or other educational providers.
I contacted my local INTREO office at the earliest opportunity to discuss the effect of summer/seasonal and part time employment on my BTEA rate. I was totally misled and given incorrect information. I was given the incorrect information 3 times and engaged in summer employment on the basis of this. The BTEA department in Carrick on Shannon provided this misinformation on the 7th of July by email. I submitted a letter from my employer confirming my part time hours for the academic year which is allowed by BTEA operational guidelines, but have still had my rate cut. IF I could get a P45 from my employer and then get them to rehire me apparently that would reinstate my rate. Absolutely ridiculous. Anyone I have spoken to who is on BTEA is now terrified to work for the summer period between academic years and certainly will not do it with a view to maintaining some financial incentive from continued part time work.