Btea

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ontour2009

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I want to go to college in Sept I really need money for this as I have no savings and I have been on Jobseekers assistance since Dec O8. Would I be eligible for the BTEA? or anytype of assistance at all? Im 24 and living with my parents. Thanks for your help.
 
The qualifying conditions for BTEA at the moment are 12 months on JA for a thrid level undergrad course and 6 months for a second level course.
 
There is a chance maybe? from here


'Special Provisions
9 month qualifying period under National Employment Action Plan (NEAP):
The qualifying period for participation in the Third Level Option (TLO) of the BTEA scheme is 9 months for persons who are participating in the National Employment Action Plan (NEAP) process. This provision applies only to persons whose pursuit of a third level course of study is assessed and recommended by a FÁS Employment Services Officer.'
 
Do you know anything about the Neap plan that they mention should I ring fas and ask about this?
 
ontour2009 said:
Do you know anything about the Neap plan that they mention should I ring fas and ask about this?
Click to expand...


That might be a good idea. Have you been interviewed by a Placement Officer in FAS? Usually, you are referred by SW after three months signing on.
 
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Yes I have already spoken to one, and he refered me on to do an online course but I really want to go to college,
 
I suggest that you contact the Adult Educational Guidance Service of your local Vocational Education Committe and make an appointment to see a Guidance Counsellor. This is a free and confidential service and you will be guided through your options as regards returning to education. They can liaise with Social Welfare on your behalf regarding entitlement to BTEA.
 
Which would you think I would be better off contacting first the vec or speak to someone in the fas centre? Thanks to both of you for your help. I am aiming to meet up with someone in either place Wed morning, I have already applied as a mature student for a place hopefully in Sept. I cannot save anything near as much as I know I will need during the year if I get a place in the college as I am currently only getting 200euro a week (although I am very grateful for this) and paying 70/80 euro off a loan each week. Although I aim to have cleared this loan before September. Thanks once again I really appreciate the help.
 
Personally, I'd go the FAS route ... and print off the bit in the guidfelines about the 9 months rule. I'd imagine the VEC are further removed from the SW regulatiopns and talking to a Guidance Counsellor who will talk to Sw is complicating things further. You can talk to SW BTEA people directly yourself at your local office. It's up to you though.
 
If you need guidance around educational courses and their suitability for BTEA, the VEC is the best in the first instance.

If you are happy with your choice of course and its suitability for BTEA you can skip the VEC. You do need to be on JA/JB for 9 months and participating in the NEAP. In the old days of low unemployment you could expect to be referred to FAS for NEAP participation after approx, 3 months. That may not be the case now.

Referrals to FAS for participation in NEAP are made by Social Welfare. If you wish to be included now it would be best to ask SW. You can also ask FAS, if you wish, who may ask SW on your behalf
 
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