Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 October 2021
77. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason an application for the back to education allowance by a person (details supplied) was refused; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48503/21]
View answerThe Back to Education Allowance scheme (BTEA) is an educational opportunities scheme for customers in receipt of certain Social Protection payments wishing to pursue second or third level courses of education. The objective of the scheme is to raise educational and skills levels to enable successful applicants to improve labour market opportunities by providing them with income support while they study.
In order to qualify for BTEA the applicant must meet the qualifying criteria for this scheme. These criteria include that an applicant, if over 21 years and in receipt of a Jobseekers payment from this Department, must have been in receipt of this payment for 9 months (234 days). The customer's Jobseekers Claim commenced very recently and as a result she does not qualify for a Back To Education Allowance.
Although the customer previously had a Carer’s Benefit claim with this Department, Carer’s Benefit is not a qualifying payment for the Back To Education Allowance scheme.
The customer was previously informed in writing of the Department’s decision that she does not qualify for BTEA and was also informed that if she was unhappy with the decision that she could request to have her case reviewed by another officer. This review was requested in a letter received by the Department on September 27th last. A reply to this letter will issue to the customer in the coming days but I can confirm that the review has upheld the original decision.
If the customer wishes to discuss other training options with a Case Officer from this Department she should contact the Wexford Intreo Office at 051 9165400 to arrange a phone call.
