FETAC Level 5 and dole?

Dr.Sanchez

Hi,

I starting a FETAC Level 5 - full time one year course soon and hoping to continue on to third level the year after as I plan on using the FETAC course to get in.

Heres my problem, Im currently on the dole and would like to stay on it if possible while doing the FETAC course and apply for the Back To Education Allowance (BTEA) when going for third level because to be honest, the maintenance grand for third level wouldn't help me out at all in my current situation.

Is there anyway to do this or has anyone ever managed to keep the dole while doing a FETAC course?

Thanks

Annasopra

If you have been on the dole for more than a certain length of time (I think 6 months) you can get BTEA, also if you get BTEA you can apply for the maintenance grant to pay your fees

Dr.Sanchez

Johnnymcg wrote: »

If you have been on the dole for more than a certain length of time (I think 6 months) you can get BTEA, also if you get BTEA you can apply for the maintenance grant to pay your fees

You can't apply for maintenance grant while on BTEA anymore, but if I apply for BTEA now then I wont get it next year which is when I would really need it because thats when I'm hoping to enter third level.

If its just a FETAC course, i think you can get FAS to pay for it.

I'm very open to correction here, but I believe each FAS office has an amount of money that they can pay towards this kinda stuff for people. As far as I know, regardles of what the course entails, so long as it's got a certificate at the end, or can significantly increase your employability, they will pay for it.


It's been mentioned on here before I think. I' m not sure of the ins and outs of it though, so hopefully another poster with more knowledge can come along and help out.

Dr.Sanchez

Its more of a weekly income thing I'm worrying about. If i get BTEA for the FETAC course, I wont get it for third level next year.

I want to have BTEA for third level though and don't know what to do about this FETAC course...

Well in the spirit of my above post, see if you can get FAS to pay for it, then you'll still be on el Dole, and can put in for BTEA when you go back to third level.

Annasopra

00Blaine00 wrote: »

You can't apply for maintenance grant while on BTEA anymore, but if I apply for BTEA now then I wont get it next year which is when I would really need it because thats when I'm hoping to enter third level.

You can - you get the fees only paid and not the maintenance part - why wouldn't your BTEA continue next year?

Balagan

If you do not get a job after the FETAC course you may well be eligible for BTEA for third level next year. You should talk to the Facilitator or the BTEA person at the Social Welfare Office.

If you are doing the FETAC course at a PLC institution the fees are negligible (the private colleges cost quite a lot and many of those are not covered by grant for maintenance and/or fees). The Euro 500 from the BTEA would more than cover fee from PLC institution.

Yawns

If you this fetac level 5 course you have no option but to get BTEA. You cannot stay on JSA whilst on a course as you are unavailable for work. You must get BTEA. If it is a PLC course, you no longer qualify for VEC grant whilst in reciept of BTEA. Lone parents qualify tho.

However next year when on your 3rd level course you will get the VEC grant for registration fees and should still be able to get BTEA seeing as you are doing a higher level course. You won't qualify for BTEA next year if the course you are doing is the same level afaik. I am open to correction on that last part tho.

danois

you can get btea for both the fetac and the third level course as long as you are moving up a level you can keep it. what you could do is look into a vtos scheme for you fetac course tho they pay for all your books and exams and give you and extra 30 a week on top of your btea payment

Dr.Sanchez

THanks for the replies, your right about being able to keep the BTEA if your moving up a level.