Allowances for further education and training participants are being progressively aligned to social welfare payments and accordingly, as part of Budget 2013, a number of changes were made in this area with effect from 1 January 2013.
Previously participants on Youthreach and VTOS courses and FÁS training schemes could have their social welfare entitlement increased to a maximum €188 per week, in cases where their social welfare entitlement was less than this. This arrangement was discontinued in January 2013 for new participants on these schemes aged 25 years and over. Accordingly their training allowance will not exceed their previous social welfare entitlement. In the case of new participants aged under 25, there continues to be a potential increase , but to the reduced maximum level of €160. This decision was taken as it is no longer considered appropriate to provide a financial incentive to people to take up education and training places.
It should be noted that in cases where a participant's social welfare entitlement exceeds the training allowance, a training allowance equivalent to this entitlement will be paid on receipt of certified evidence.