Back to Education Allowance Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 June 2013

Thursday, 27 June 2013

Questions (122)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

122. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the funding options available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who wishes to pursue a level 7 course and who is in receipt of jobseeker's allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31307/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The student referred to by the Deputy is in receipt of jobseeker's allowance. If he pursues a course in the 2013/2014 academic year he may be entitled to the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA). Eligibility for the BTEA and associated payments is determined and administered by the Department for Social Protection. Students who qualify for the BTEA may be considered for support for the student contribution under the student grant scheme provided they satisfy the conditions of the relevant Student Grant Scheme and Student Support Regulations including those relating to residence, nationality, approved course, previous academic attainment and means.

To determine eligibility for the 2013/14 academic year the student referred to by the Deputy should submit a fully completed online grant application to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) via www.susi.ie in respect of the cost of the student contribution and, where applicable, tuition fees. Students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund assists students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise, due to their financial circumstances, be unable to continue their third level studies. Information on the fund is available through the Access Officer in the third level institution attended. The fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis. In addition to the student grant, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be claimed in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education. Further information on this tax relief is available from the Revenue Commissioners on www.revenue .ie.