Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 September 2021
488. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the eligibility for the back to education allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44026/21]
View answerIf a person is unemployed, parenting alone or has a disability and is in receipt of certain payments from my Department, they can take part in a second or third-level education course and receive a Back to Education Allowance (BTEA). If attending a second-level course, a person must be in receipt of a qualifying payment for 3 months or more and if attending a third-level course, 9 months or more.
Periods spent on a Youthreach course establishes an entitlement to a qualifying social welfare payment and the 3-month qualifying time for BTEA may be waived for a second-level course.
My Department’s records reflect the person concerned was awarded a Jobseeker’s Allowance payment with effect from 23/08/2021 and attended a Youthreach course from 20/01/2020 to 25/06/2021. It appears the period which the person spent on the Youthreach course fulfils the qualifying time for BTEA for a second-level course.
A BTEA application has not been received from the person concerned. Following the Deputy’s representation, I have arranged for a Case Officer from Maynooth to contact the person to discuss the options available to him.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
