Is FAS trainee allowance a welfare payment?

[djk1000]

Hi,

I am currently attending a FAS course that runs until the end of August. I'm really enjoying what I'm studying and I'd like to build on this course with a year in college, I've identified a course starting in September which I'm really interested in.

It's only feasable if I can get on the back to education scheme and claim jobseekers benefit during the year.

To qualify for the education scheme, I need to be in receipt of either jobseekers allowance or benefit for three months.

So the question is, can the FAS allowance be considered a benefit for the purposes of getting the back to education allowance, or do I have to sit on the dole until the following September being a drain on the state, instead of upskilling?

Thanks in advance

 

[Welfarite]

Re: Is FAS trainee allowance a wlefare payment?

The FAS course will count for BTEA quakifying period, but you must be entitled to Jobseeker's payment immediatley prior to going on BTEA. You sign back on after the course. Have you the necessary qualifying time between FAS and 'signing' to get BTEA? Maybe check with the local office first?