- What are education, training and development courses?
- How do I qualify?
- How do I apply?
- Will I still get my social welfare payment?
- Will I still 'sign on' in the same way?
- How do I look for training?
1. What are education, training and development courses?
A broad range of courses such as personal development or basic education to general training or getting specific job skills may be covered under Education, Training and Development courses. It must be clear that the course will enhance your employment prospects.
Courses must:
- first be approved by a facilitator. You can arrange an appointment with a facilitator by contacting your local Social Welfare Office
- be wholly or partially funded by a State Agency or Area Partnership Company
- or
- be provided by a voluntary or community group to help develop the person's employment prospects.
Note:
Before you start, always check with your local Social Welfare Office to find out if your payment will change.
2. How do I qualify?
If you are aged 21 or over, registered as unemployed and wish to attend a course you must be:
- getting one of the following payments or signing for 'credits' for at least six months (156 days)
- Jobseeker's Allowance, or
- Jobseeker's Benefit
If you are aged 18 to 20 years and have been out of formal education for two years or more you can qualify if you are:
- getting one of the following payments or signing for 'credits' for six months:
- Jobseeker's Allowance, or
- Jobseeker's Benefit
You must meet these conditions before you start the course.
Note:
Unlike the Back to Education Allowance, time spent on VTOS, FÁS, Community Employment Schemes, Rural Social Scheme, Back to Work Allowance, FÁS Job Initiative or Job Assist do not count towards the six month qualifying period.
3. How do I apply?
You should apply when you have secured a place with a school or college or an approved training body, by filling in form BTE 1. Return the completed BTE 1 form to your local Social Welfare Office.
4. Will I still get my social welfare payment?
You will continue to get your social welfare payment in the usual way.
If you are getting Jobseeker's Allowance or Benefit or One-Parent Family Payment and take part in a course that is organised and initiated by a facilitator you may qualify for a payment of €32.00 per week towards out of pocket expenses such as those for meals or travel.
5. Will I still 'sign on' in the same way?
Maybe not. Your local Social Welfare Office may make special 'signing-on' arrangements where necessary to let you take the classes of your chosen course.
6. How do I look for training?
FÁS is the National Training and Employment Authority. If you are looking for work or training, you should register with your local FÁS office.
You can also get information about courses from:
- a facilitator (you may contact them through your local Social Welfare Office),
- your local VEC or school, or
- other places such as a public library.
Note:
- If you are taking an approved course of education, training or development you cannot get a training allowance while you claim Jobseeker's Allowance or Jobseeker's Benefit. However, you may be allowed to get a small amount for out-of-pocket expenses (such as meal and travel costs) that result from your taking part in the course.
- All income that you or your spouse or partner get is assessable for Rent or Mortgage Interest Supplement purposes. This means that any increase in income, for example by a training allowance or maintenance grant, will affect your Rent or Mortgage Interest Supplement.
Contact your Community Welfare Officer to see how extra income may affect your Rent or Mortgage Interest Supplement.