I have just been made redundant from my full time job as an engineer. I have decided to go back and do a full time masters for the year starting at the end of September. I have applied for the Higher Education Grant and I assume as I am a mature student independent of my parents that I will qualify for full maintenance. However, this sum is only about €3000 and I don't think I can survive on that for a year! I realise I will have to take on a part-time job but I was wondering if I am entitled to any social welfare benefits as well since I have been paying PRSI and I will have no stable income at all for the next year. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
Re: Am I entitled to any social welfare if I return to college after being made redun
Hi
As gipimann said, many postgrad courses fall outside the Back to Education Allowance scheme, but it would definitely be worth checking with the Back to Education Allowance scheme section of the Department of Social and Family Affairs to see if your postgrad course is covered. You should be able to get through to the section on (01) 704 3000.
The question that has to be answered is whether the person is available for full-time work or would the course interfere with that availability. The onus is on the person to demonstrate that their participation does not restrict reasonable availability for work. so, if it is an evening course and they are looking for bar work, it might be restricting them. On the other hand, if their looking for clericl office-type work, it wouldn't!