Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 October 2015
233. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if a back to education allowance, or any assistance, is available for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36070/15]
View answerThe person concerned is 19 years of age and currently attending a third level PLC course. He currently does not have any live claim with this department. In order to qualify for Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) third level option a claimant must be in receipt of a qualifying payment for 9 months (234 paid or credited days of unemployment) unless they have been made redundant immediately prior to applying for a jobseeker’s claim. Claimants under 21 must also have completed formal education for 2 years in order to qualify for BTEA. Claimants do not qualify for a jobseeker’s payment if they are in full-time education except if it is under a Department of Social Protection Scheme and the claimant qualifies for that scheme. It is open to the person concerned to contact his local office to discuss this further.
