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Crann na Beatha

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jimboblep

yeah as long as your over 23 you can apply as a mature student

paperclip2

Yes you can but just be aware that in order to get a social welfare payment for full-time study you need to be receiving a social welfare payment for at least 234 days before your college course starts.

To be assessed as a mature student for Sept 2014 you need to have turned 23 by the 31st of December 2013.

Crann na Beatha

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jimboblep

you can apply to SUSI for a a maintenance grant and payment of the fees
check they're website for rates and eligibility
also depending on where you apply some institutions have some financial supports

paperclip2

Phoenix wrote: »

So if i were to do that what do i get form the government to pay for degree and tie me over?if im not on BTEA?

If you haven't been to college before then your tuition fees are covered through the free fees initiative.

You will have to pay a registration charge of €2750 but you can apply to SUSI, the grant body for that and if you fulfill the requirements they will pay that on your behalf.

If you are ineligible for BTEA you can also be considered for the SUSI maintenance grant. This is a means tested payment. Details etc are available on http://www.studentfinance.ie

jimboblep

paperclip2 wrote: »

If you haven't been to college before then your tuition fees are covered through the free fees initiative.

You will have to pay a registration charge of €2750 but you can apply to SUSI, the grant body for that and if you fulfill the requirements they will pay that on your behalf.

If you are ineligible for BTEA you can also be considered for the SUSI maintenance grant. This is a means tested payment. Details etc are available on http://www.studentfinance.ie

can you get both BTEA and a maintenance grant i was informed that was stopped for new applicants ?

Crann na Beatha

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Cosmo2013

There's no difference really. They work out much the same.

jimboblep

Phoenix wrote: »

Whats the benefits of BTEA as opposed to getting the grant?

btea is your standard social welfare payment 188 euro for a single person but as paperclip2 pointed out you have to be unemployed and claiming social welfare for 234 days before the start of college
even at its top rate the maintenance grant is quite a bit below BTEA

Crann na Beatha

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paperclip2

jimboblep wrote: »

can you get both BTEA and a maintenance grant i was informed that was stopped for new applicants ?

No you cant get both unless you are on OPFP or Disability which you can keep while studying and receive the maintenance grant as well.

@Phoenix, yes you can work while studying but any earnings over about €3000 odd will be assessed as part of the means test for the following year.

Crann na Beatha

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paperclip2

Phoenix wrote: »

is that per year?so 20 hours part time work max yea?

Per year afaik. No idea as to the hours per week as it depends on rate of pay etc.

Taken from http://www.studentfinance.ie/mp9392/check-reckonable-income-bands/index.html

Note: The circumstances of the applicant will determine whose reckonable income will be assessed in connection with the grant application. For dependent applicants, the reckonable income to be assessed will be that of the applicant (if any) and of the applicant's parent(s) or guardian(s). An allowance is made for applicant earnings (for example from part-time work) of up to €3,900 currently. Parental divorce or certifiable separation is taken into consideration by the grant-awarding agencies. For independent mature applications, the reckonable income to be assessed will be that of the applicant and his/her spouse (if applicable).