The person concerned was awarded a Jobseeker's Allowance (JA) payment from 31/08/2021. He made an application for a Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) on 30/09/2021 to pursue the 4th year of a Computer Science degree which had commenced in Maynooth University on 22/09/2021.
The person concerned was refused BTEA as he was not in receipt of a qualifying payment for a minimum of 9 months and was not entering the 1st year of a course of study. The person concerned was advised of this decision on 01/10/2021 and afforded the opportunity to request a review. The person concerned subsequently requested a review and as he was not entering the 1st year of a course of study, the original decision to refuse his application was upheld.
The decision to refuse BTEA was not based on the application date or a previous deferral on medical grounds.
Maynooth University may be able to advise the person concerned on other ways of completing this course on a part-time basis. The person concerned may qualify for the Part-Time Education Option which would allow him retain JA while attending a part-time course.
It is open to the person concerned to meet with a Case Officer in the Maynooth Employment Services office who can provide him with information on other options available to him.
I trust this clarifies the matter.