Back to Education Allowance (BTEA)?

Now more than ever, many people are considering returning to education. This can be a daunting process and especially for those who may not have engaged in formal education for quite some time. The financial cost of returning to education can also be very overwhelming. However, there are supports available, the BTEA being one such support. The Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) is available to people who are unemployed, parenting alone or have a disability and are getting certain payments from the Department of Social Protection (DSP). It enables people to return to education and take part in a second or third level education course.

Recently, the Government announced that access to the Back to Education Allowance will be extended to people getting the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP).

If you are getting PUP and wish to apply for Back to Education Allowance, you must transfer to a Jobseeker’s payment (or other qualifying payment). Your rate of Back to Education Allowance payment will be linked to your qualifying social welfare rate of payment.

In general, to qualify for the BTEA, you must be over 21, or over 24 for Postgraduate courses. However, if you are getting Jobseeker's Allowance (or other qualifying payment), for the required period, and are aged between 18 and 20 and have been out of the formal education system for at least 2 years, you may qualify for BTEA also.

Depending on your circumstances, you may also be eligible for the fee part of the SUSI grant which would cover the €3,000 fees for third level courses.

For further information, go to https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/back_to_education/back_to_education_allowance.html or contact McCullagh Careers at info@mccullaghcareers.ie or 0872120527.