Written answers

Wednesday, 23 June 2021

Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection

Social Welfare Benefits

Photo of Cian O'CallaghanCian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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165. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person can retain the rent supplement and disability allowance while also availing of the back to education allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33849/21]

Photo of Cian O'CallaghanCian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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166. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person can avail of the back to education allowance for a master’s degree if they already have a master’s degree in another field; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33850/21]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 165 and 166 together.

The back to education allowance scheme (BTEA) provides people with a second chance education that will improve their prospects of securing employment.  It enables eligible people to pursue approved education courses and to continue to receive income support for the duration of a course of study, subject to meeting certain conditions. 

Disability Allowance is one of the qualifying payments; the student will be required to transfer to the BTEA for the duration of their study should they apply. Students may continue to receive any secondary benefits, including rent supplement subject to a means assessment, if they would otherwise have an entitlement under the provisions of their qualifying payment.

The BTEA is not intended to provide a basis for a long-duration participation in extended education and is not typically available to study a Masters. In limited cases post-graduate courses can be supported under this scheme. BTEA can be approved where the applicant intends to undertake studies leading to a Higher Diploma (H.Dip) in any discipline or the Professional Masters in Education. Additionally BTEA support may be awarded for a Master’s degree based solely on life experience where the applicant holds no other third level qualification. 

The scheme conditions also include progressing in the level of education held by an applicant.  An applicant will only be supported to pursue a level of education beyond their current level.

I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

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