Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2017
2119. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will reverse the decision to means test income derived from part-time work for those in receipt of the back to education allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29112/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Back to Education Allowance Scheme (BTEA) is designed to support second chance education. It enables eligible persons to pursue approved education courses and to continue to receive income support for the duration of a course of study, subject to meeting certain conditions.
The BTEA is not intended as an alternative form of funding for people entering or re-entering the third-level education system. The Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) Grant, payable by the Department of Education and Skills, represents the primary support for persons pursuing education. The eligibility rules that govern the payment of a student maintenance grant are a matter for that Department.
To qualify for BTEA, a person must be in receipt of one of the following social welfare payments for a minimum period - 3 months if pursuing a second level course, or 9 months if pursuing a third level course.
- Jobseeker's Allowance or Jobseeker's Benefit;
- One-parent Family Payment;
- Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's (Contributory) Pension;
- Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's (Non-Contributory) Pension;
- Disability Allowance;
- Carer’s Allowance
- Deserted Wife’s Benefit or Allowance;
- Blind Pension;
- Invalidity Pension;
- Illness Benefit (2 years) for both second and third level courses;
- Incapacity Supplement (based on a life Disablement Pension).
From the start of 2016/17 academic year, all new BTEA participants who engage in part-time work while on the Allowance are being means assessed in accordance with the primary payment. This measure was introduced to ensure equity, from a means perspective, between BTEA recipients and recipients of the primary payment upon which their entitlement to the Allowance is based. I have no plans to change these procedures.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
