Funding College From Unemployed State

[johnno09]

Hi,
I am soon to be unemployed and given the lack of jobs and prospects in construction was thinking about returning to college to do a degree given that I could get an ordinary degree in 2 years (would be exempt from year1). Thing is I am wondering if I sign on for the next few months would I have to give this up in September if I get into college?

 

[gipimann]

Yes, as you would not be available for full time work, one of the conditions of payment of Jobseekers.

 

[johnno09]

Is there any other alternative allowance or have I been assaulted by the revenue for the last 10 years for nothing?

 

[Hanks09]

Think you will be eligible for back to education allowance which mounts to the same amount.

 

[Hanks09]

Only after a year on JB.

I am pretty sure they have done away with this, heard Mary Coughlan talking about this recently saying that the criteria has changed to encourage people to avail of further training.

 

[gipimann]

Back to Education Allowance is designed to assist those who are long-term unemployed (over 12 months at the moment) with access to 3rd level education.

The greater access to training which is being discussed at the moment is for job re-training or upskilling, and would not be likely to cover full-time college courses.

 

[Jano]

Don't think you always need to be long term unemployed - if you receive statutory redundancy you are eligible for BTEA as long as you are still in receipt of the jobseeker's benefit at the date of commencement of the course. Other benefits also qualify such as FAS training allowances. See studentfinance.ie. Good Luck!