http___www.welfare.ie_ga_Pages_A---Back-to-Education-Allowance-BTEA.aspx_1.xml
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Index The Back to Education Allowance Scheme - 1.1 Purpose - 1.2 Objective - 1.3 Legislative Basis - 1.4 What does the Back to Education programme provide? - 1.5 Role of the DEASP Case Officer & Determining Officer (DO) - 1.6 This version - 1.7 Administration - 1.8 Queries Study Options: - 2.1 Overview - 2.2 Second Level Option (SLO) - 2.3 Second Level Courses in UK/Northern Ireland - 2.4 Third Level Option (TLO) - 2.5 Third level study outside of Ireland - 2.6 Postgraduate study option - 2.7 What is not eligible for support under BTEA Common Conditions (all options) - 3.1 Overview - 3.2 Criteria - 3.3 Linking provisions - 3.4 Counting periods on other schemes towards the qualifying period - 3.5 Counting periods on SWA - 3.6 Counting periods on Youthreach - 3.7 Arrangements for persons made redundant - 3.8 Eligibility of ex-offenders - 3.9 Eligibility of Qualifying Adults - 3.10 Disqualifications - 3.11 Exclusions from other schemes - 3.12 Eligibility for Working Family Payment (WFP) - 3.13 Bursaries, gifts & scholarships - 3.14 Data Protection/Freedom of Information Jobseeker Payments - 4.1 Qualifying payments - 4.2 Conditions applying to SLO and TLO - 4.3 Conditions applying to Postgraduate applicants - 4.4 Jobseekers aged 18 but under 21 - 4.5 Jobseekers on jobseekers credits only - 4.6 Qualified Adult (QA) - 4.7 Jobseekers Benefit applicants after 1st January 2015 - 4.8 BTEA based on Jobseekers Benefit prior to 2015 - 4.9 Qualified Adult (QA) of Jobseekers Benefit prior to 1st January 2015 - 4.10 Specific conditions for Jobseekers Allowance - means test - 4.11 Duration of BTEA payment - 4.12 Resuming the course of study - 4.13 Signing arrangements One Parent Family - 5.1 Qualifying Payments - 5.2 Conditions applying to SLO and TLO - 5.3 Conditions applying to Postgraduate applicants - 5.4 Applicants aged 18 but under 21 - 5.5 Specific conditions for OFP (where applicable) - means test - 5.6 Duration of payment - 5.7 Resuming the course of study – applicants prior to 2015/16 - 5.8 Resuming the course of study –applicants from 2015/16 Disability & Caring payments - 6.1 Qualifying Payments - 6.2 Conditions applying to SLO and TLO - 6.3 Conditions applying to Postgraduate applicants - 6.4 Specific conditions for Disability and Caring payments (where applicable) - Means test - 6.5 Duration of payment - 6.6 Resuming the course of study - 6.7 BTEA and Illness Benefit payments & credits - 6.8 BTEA and Erasmus & credits Information general to all options - 7.1 Proof of registration - 7.2 Commencement of BTEA after first year of an approved course of study - 7.3 Progression in Education course - 7.4 BTEA to undertake work placement/Thesis preparation - 7.5 Erasmus - 7.6 Repeat years - 7.7 Failure to complete a course of study - 7.8 Deferral of course - 7.9 Back to Education Allowance and Student Grant Scheme (SUSI) - 7.10 Method of Payment - 7.11 Secondary benefits Rates of payment - 8.1 BTEA awarded prior to 1st January 2013 - 8.2 BTEA awarded since 1st January 2013 - 8.3 BTEA age related payments - 8.4 Increase for Qualified Adult/child (Saver cases) - 8.5 Qualified Adult Dependent of a jobseeker. - 8.6 Cost of Education Allowance Effect of means on certain BTEA claims - 9.1 Part-time work - 9.2 Paid Work Placement - 9.3 Revised means decisions Applications, Documentation and Decision Procedures - 10.1 Applications - 10.2 Timing of applications - 10.3 Late applications - 10.4 Decisions - 10.5 Refusals - 10.6 Re-examination/review of decision to refuse - 10.7 ISTS/TLA system Control and change in circumstances - 11.1 Control requirements - 11.2 Responsibilities of the divisions/Intreo Centres - 11.3 Finish dates and end of academic year processes - 11.4 Control following award of BTEA payment - 11.5 Student Data Match - 11.6 Recovery of overpayments APPENDIX 1 - Information Leaflet (SW70) & Application Form (BTE1) available from. APPENDIX 2 - Relevant changes to TLO/SLO & BTEA since 1990 APPENDIX 3 - National Qualification Framework – Levels of Qualifications 1.1 Purpose The Back to Education Allowance scheme (BTEA) is an educational opportunities scheme for persons in receipt of certain social welfare payments wishing to pursue second or third level courses of education subject to meeting the qualifying conditions. 1.2 Objective The objective is to raise educational and skills levels to enable them to better access to emerging n labour market needs in line with the Government’s activation strategy set out in Pathways to Work. 1.3 Legislative Basis BTEA is an administrative scheme approved by the Government. Government Decision S.29416 of 8 October 1996 refers. 1.4 What does the Back to Education programme provide? The Back to Education Programme provides income support to DEASP customers to undertake a range of education and training options with the aim of improving labour market opportunities. The programme has three strands: - Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) Provides certain categories of DEASP customers with income support to complete a full-time course of study (these rules govern the operation of this strand) - Part-Time Education Option (PTEO) Enables jobseekers to retain their Jobseekers Allowance/Jobseekers Benefit payment while undertaking a part-time course of study (see separate Guideline BACK TO EDUCATION - Part-Time Education Option (PTEO) - Education, Training and Development Option (ET&D) Enables jobseekers to retain their Jobseekers Allowance/Jobseekers Benefit payment while undertaking courses of study of short duration (see separate Guideline BACK TO EDUCATION - Education, Training and Development Option) 1.5 Role of the DEASP Case Officer & Determining Officer (DO) As part of their functions to support claimants, Case Officers will primarily be involved in determining of the course of study being proposed is in line with the activation needs of the applicant, including ensuring alignment with the jobseeker’s Personal Progression Plan. The Case Officer should provide direction insofar as this relates to ensuring that the course of study is in an area/sector of the economy where there are identified skill needs and job opportunities. BTEA eligibility should be assessed primarily by the Determining Officer. In all cases, only the Determining Officer can approve an applicant for a BTEA payment following receipt of a positive recommendation and a final check on consistency with the eligibility criteria. 1.6 This version This version of the rules and guidelines for the Back to Education Allowance scheme are operational from the 25th June 2018 and supersede previous guidelines issues in respect of the scheme. 1.7 Administration Policy in respect of the scheme and these rules has been developed and are administered by: Employment Support Services Back to Education Schemes Shannon Lodge Carrick on Shannon Co. Leitrim. 1.8 Queries Queries of an operational nature and queries from applicants and participants should be addressed locally using these rules and guidelines. If a query cannot be resolved, a referral should be made, in the first instance, to Intreo Centre management or to the relevant area manager. Queries of a policy nature or of a complex operational nature that cannot be resolved at local level can be sent in written form to to BTEA_enquires@welfare.ie. Enquiries to MBX-BTEA_Enquiries or BTEA_Enquiries@welfare.ie. Study Options 2.1 Overview Income support is available under BTEA to enable two study options to be pursued. The Second Level Option (SLO) enables study to be undertaken provided it leads to a Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) qualifications up to level 6. The Third Level Option (TLO) enables study to be undertaken to QQI qualification level 8 and in limited circumstances to include post-graduate study. BTEA requires that all modules of a full-time course must be completed within the same academic year. 2.2 Second Level option (SLO) BTEA can be approved for a jobseeker to attend a full time second level course of education at any Community, Comprehensive, Secondary, ETB Centre (Vocational School), College of Further Education (ETB) or Institute of Technology with which the Department of Education and Skills have a funding relationship. The course of study being pursued must be a full-time day course and lead to a qualification that is: - recognised by the Department of Education & Skills or, - awarded by the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI). The type of full-time day courses for which BTEA can be approved are: - Junior Certificate - Leaving Certificate (including repeat Leaving Certificate in limited circumstances – see 7.2) - Post-Leaving Certificate (PLC) - Those, other than list above, provided by Educational Training Boards (ETB) (formerly Vocational Education Committees) - Foundation/Access courses provided by Universities and Institutes of Technology. In addition to existing Access/Foundation courses, approval may be given to preparatory third level courses of at least 18 week’s duration requiring full-time attendance and conferring a Special Purpose Award of a minimum of 30 credits that accumulate towards the student’s chosen third level qualification. 2.3 Second Level Courses in Northern Ireland BTEA can be approved for Second Level courses in Northern Ireland provided they lead to a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ). A BTEC National Diploma is to be considered a second level qualification. A BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND) is to be considered an award at third level 2.4 Third Level option (TLO) BTEA can be approved for attendance at a full-time third level course of education at any approved third level institution (university, institute of education or third level college in Ireland and Northern Ireland). The selected course of study must be full-time day and recognised: - by the Student Grant scheme under the Student Support Act 2011 (pdf) and administered by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) http://www.susi.ie/ or - has Higher Education and Training Awards Council (QQI) recognition 2.5 Third level study outside of Ireland BTEA is only permitted for courses commencing in Ireland and Northern Ireland. However, BTEA can be approved to avail of a year abroad if it is deemed to be an integral/mandatory/compulsory part of the coure of study (as verified by the Registrars/Administrations Office). 2.6 Postgraduate study option Only in limited circumstances can BTEA be approved for jobseekers undertaking postgraduate study. Study for postgraduate qualifications for which BTEA cannot be approved include Masters in all disciplines for example: MA, MSc, M. Eng, M. Phil., MBA, Professional Graduate Diploma, any discipline excepting (2) and (3) below: BTEA can be approved where the jobseekers intend to undertake studies leading to: - a Higher Diploma (H. Dip) in any discipline OR - a Professional Masters in Education (PME) which replaced the Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) from September 2014 OR - a Master degree based solely on life experience where the applicant holds no other third level qualification. In such cases a Case Officer must ensure that the applicant provides documentary evidence from the third level institution confirming that admission is based solely on life experience and that the applicant is not the holder of any third level qualification). Apart from Springboard there are no other circumstances where BTEA can be approved where the jobseeker already holds a postgraduate qualification. 2.7 What is not eligible for support under BTEA The following are not considered eligible courses of study for BTEA purposes: - Part-time or evening courses - Courses leading to minor/special purpose awards or component certificates where less than 30 credits are awarded and/or are less than 18 weeks duration - Single modules or components of a course of study - Single semesters - Distance learning or on-line courses - Full-time study outside Ireland and Northern Ireland Common Conditions (all options). 3.1 Overview Responsibility for securing a place on a course rests with the jobseeker/applicant. The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection can provide assistance and advice in this regard. 3.2 Criteria In order to qualify for BTEA the applicant must be: - a specific age - in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment for a specified period of time (strict adherence to this condition must be applied in all cases) – see sections 4.1, 5.1, or 6.1, - commencing the first year* of a course of study (*See section 7.2 for relaxation of this requirement) - the course of study is full-time day for the complete academic year, - leading to a recognised qualification in a recognised college as set out in section 2.2 and 2.4, - jobseeker is progressing* in the levels of education held (*See section 7.3, for further information on the progression requirement) - In the case of a jobseeker, the Case Officer has recommended that the course of study for BTEA has been deemed to have employment relevance and focus and/or in alignment with the jobseekers personal progression plan.. 3.3 Linking provisions Periods spent on any qualifying payment and periods on other activation schemes (see 3.4, 3.5, 4.1, 5.1 and 6.1) which are not broken by more than 12 months (52 weeks) can be used in determining if an applicant satisfies the qualifying period criteria. 3.4 Counting periods on other schemes towards the qualifying period Periods spent on a range of other education, training, work placement and activation support schemes can be taken into account when determining the required number of days in receipt of a qualifying payment. The schemes are limited to the following: - SOLAS/ETBs - Community Employment, - Rural Social Scheme, - Tús. - JobBridge/WPP - JobPath - Gateway - Part-time Job Incentive Scheme, - Back to Work Enterprise Allowance or Short-term Enterprise Allowance and - VTOS. Only in circumstances where a Case Officer is satisfied that a course of study represents a better activation option, should an applicant cease engagement on these programmes prior to completion. Eligibility to BTEA does not extend to Qualified Adults of participants of these schemes. This provision applies only in cases where the applicant has established an entitlement to a qualifying social welfare payment immediately prior to commencement of their course (see 3.3 for linking arrangements). 3.5 Counting periods on SWA Account may also be taken of periods in receipt of a Supplementary Welfare Allowance and payments in respect of Direct Provision. This provision applies only in cases where the applicant has established an entitlement to a qualifying social welfare payment immediately prior to commencement of their course (see 3.3 for linking arrangements). 3.6 Counting periods on Youthreach Period spent on Youthreach may be taken into account in determining the qualifying period for BTEA provided the jobseeker establishes an entitlement to a relevant social welfare payment prior to/after participation on the Youthreach course. Since June 2016 the 3 month disqualification no longer applies on completing or leaving 2nd level education*. *See circular 39/16 Jobseeker Payments and Youthreach Participants. 3.7 Arrangements for persons made redundant Jobseekers awarded Statutory Redundancy under the Redundancy Payments Acts 1967–2012 have access to the BTEA scheme immediately on being made redundant or within one year of the award of the Statutory Redundancy. The jobseeker must establish an entitlement to a relevant Social Welfare payment immediately prior to commencement of an approved course of study. A jobseeker who opted for voluntary/mandatirt redundancy cannot be approved for BTEA under this provision. Qualified Adults of jobseekers that receive Statutory Redundancy cannot be approved for BTEA under this provision. 3.8 Eligibility of ex-offenders Periods spent in prison in this State may count towards the qualifying period for BTEA purposes. This provision applies only in cases where the applicant has established an entitlement to a qualifying social welfare payment immediately prior to commencement of their course (see 3.3 for linking arrangements). 3.9 Eligibility of Qualifying Adults Both partners can simultaneously qualify for a BTEA payment and can be supported to undertake courses of study. The Qualified Adult Dependent of a person in receipt of one of the qualifying payments for BTEA purposes (see 4.1 or see 6.1) may be approved for BTEA provided they establish an entitlement to a BTEA qualifying payment in their own right and subject to satisfying all other BTEA conditions. Periods spent in receipt of a Qualified Adult Allowance on qualifying payments should be counted in addition to any periods in receipt of a qualifying payment in their own right provided the claims are not broken by more than 12 months. This provision does not extend to provide eligibility for the Qualified Adult Dependent of person made Statutory Redundant. Eligibility to BTEA does not extend to Qualified Adults of participants of activation schemes. 3.10 Work during the academic year All work (including part-time and work placements) engaged in by the BTEA participant will be assessed in accordance with the means test of the primry payment. See section 9.1 3.11 Disqualifications Entitlement to BTEA will cease and payments must be terminated in situations where: - the participant completes the course of study - the participants drops out of their course of study - the course of study ceases or is discontinued by the educational institution - where entitlement to the qualifying payment is no longer satisfied (such as on the grounds of excessive means) for BTEA participants approved after 1st January 2013 - where the participant fails to provide proof of continued attendance at the course of study on a full-time basis - where the participant takes up full time employment (this excludes periods of work placements considered part of the course of study). 3.12 Exclusions from other schemes BTEA participants cannot work full-time or engage simultaneously on Community Employment, Tús – the community work placement initiative, the Rural Social Scheme, Gateway Programme, SOLAS/ETB (former FÁS) training programmes, WPP, the Part-time Job Incentive Scheme or any other employment or training scheme or training programme operated by the National Learning Network. 3.13 Eligibility for Working Family Payment (WFP) BTEA participants are not eligible for the Working Family Payment (WFP). 3.14 Bursaries, gifts & scholarships An applicant should not be excluded from being approved for BTEA in circumstances where an applicant is to be supported by way of a bursary or scholarship payment. However, where a gift, sponsorship, bursary or scholarship arises, the value of such support should be considered as means (except if received from a recognised charitable organisation or a bursary awarded to a BTEA applicant under the Department of Education and Skills 1916 Bursary Scheme) and the entitlement to BTEA assessed based on the means rules attaching to the qualifying payment. 3.15 Data Protection/Freedom of Information Staff are required to ensure that all information and personal data received in respect of BTEA, (to include application, monitoring and control processes) are treated in a confidential and secure manner. Case Officers and Determining Officers should note that formal arrangements are in place for the exchange of information with other Government Departments / Agencies in accordance with the law. Explanations and terms used in this form are intended as a guide only and are not a legal interpretation. Jobseeker Payments 4.1 Qualifying payments This section applies to applications received from jobseeker in receipt of a Jobseekers Allowance (means tested), Farm Assist (means tested), or Jobseekers Benefit payment. 4.2 Conditions applying to SLO and TLO A jobseeker must satisfy the following conditions immediately prior to the commencement of the first year* of the course of study and must continue to satisfy these conditions throughout the academic year**: - must be at least 21 years of age AND - in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance, Farm Assist, or Jobseekers Benefit payment for at least** : - 3 months ( 78 days) for Second Level Option (SLO), - 9 months (234 days) for Third Level Option (TLO) AND - Case Officer has considered and recommended the application for new applicants. *see 7.2 for relaxation of this requirement in certain circumstances **The number of unemployment days which are paid or credited in accordance with jobseekers legislation. Periods spent on Illness Benefit can count towards the qualifying period provided that at least 50% of the qualifying period relates tothe current qualifying payment. 4.3 Conditions applying to Postgraduate applicants A jobseeker must satisfy the following conditions immediately prior to the commencement of the course of postgraduate study: - • must be at least 24 years of age, AND - 9 months (234 days) for Higher Diploma/ Postgraduate Study option, OR - 12 months (312 days) for the Professional Masters in Education. 4.4 Jobseekers aged 18 but under 21 BTEA can be approved for a jobseeker who is aged at least 18 but under 21 years old provide that they have been out of formal education for at least 2 years prior to commencement of the proposed course of study. Periods spent on SOLAS/FÁS full-time training courses or Youthreach can count towards the relevant qualifying period and may be regarded as periods out of formal education, 4.5 Jobseekers on credits only A jobseeker may qualify for the BTEA scheme from “jobseekers credits only” provided they have accumulated the required number of days of entitlement at set out at 4.2 and 4.3 above. BTEA participants who are in receipt of "jobseekers credits only" may satisfy the contribution conditions for Jobseekers Benefit on the commencement of a new Governing Contribution Year. Where these circumstances arise, BTEA can be paid from the date on which these conditions are satisfied and expire in line with Jobseekers Benefit arrangements. 4.6 Qualified Adult (QA) This provision is operational from the 1st January 2015. An applicant for whom a Qualified Adult allowance (QA) can only be approved for BTEA provided they establish an entitlement to a qualifying social welfare payment in their own right prior to commencement of the course. Time spent as a QA (or linked to previous jobseekers entitlement) can be counted in determining the qualifying period – see 8.5 for rates of payment). 4.7 Jobseekers Benefit applicants after 1st January 2015 All new applicants received from 1st January 2015 BTEA payment will cease when entitlement to jobseekers benefit exhausts. BTEA will remain in payment if the participant qualifies for another BTEA qualifying payment. In such circumstances, an application must be made and assessed for the appropriate jobseeker or other scheme payment in the normal manner. Where an entitlement to a BTEA qualifying payment is established, that payment can be approved at the rate appropriate to the qualifying payment. Where no entitlement to an underlying DEASP qualifying payment exists, entitlement to a BTEA payment ceases and a credit claim should be considered. CT days for those receiving jobseekers benefit will no longer be frozen and consequently, the BTEA participants will be entitled to payment for the duration of their entitlement on Jobseeker's Benefit only. With respect to those in receipt of jobseekers benefit and engaged in part-time/casual work, the level of BTEA payment must be assessed in accordance with legislation for jobseekers benefit throughout the lifetime of the BTEA payment*. BTEA based on Jobseekers Benefit prior to 2015 A saver clause will apply for those participants who commenced a course of study and qualified for BTEA on the basis of a Jobseeker’s Benefit payment prior to January 1st 2015. Prior to the introduction of the changes set out in 4.6 and 4.7 above, participants with an entitlement based on a JB payment, the BTEA payment replaced the primary payment while participating on the BTEA scheme. *It may be more advantageous for the participant to establish an entitlement to Jobseekers Allowance and qualify for BTEA, if engaged in part-time work during the academic year. 4.8 Qualified Adult (QA) of Jobseekers Benefit prior to 1st January 2015 BTEA applications approved from Qualified Adults of JB recipients up to 31/12/14 for courses commencing in 2014 or earlier, QA’s are entitled to receive the QA rate of payment for the duration of their course. For all new courses thereafter, BTEA rules at the time of the new application will apply. 4.9 Specific conditions for Jobseekers Allowance - means test Where a BTEA participant qualifies on the basis of a qualifying payment at see 4.1 after 1st January 2013, the means test applicable should be used in determining the rate of BTEA payment and in any subsequent review. From 2016/17 academic year the CT for JA BTEA should no longer be frozen for new applicants.. 4.10 Duration of BTEA payment BTEA approved in respect of the qualifying payments (see 4.1) is payable for the duration of the academic year only, providing entitlement continues to exist. BTEA is not payable for the summer period between academic years. Where BTEA participants are unable to find employment during the summer period, they may be entitled to claim an unemployment payment (JA/JB) subject to satisfying the usual qualifying conditions for those payments. 4.11 Resuming the course of study From the academic year 2015/16 all new BTEA participants with eligibility based on a qualifying payment (see 4.1) must re-establish their entitlement to the qualifying payment at the beginning of each and subsequent academic year. Participants must continue to satisfy the means test during the academic year (if applicable (see 9.1)). The conditionality attached to the qualifying payment must be examined at the beginning of each academic year in order for BTEA to be approved. For BTEA participants approved prior to the 2015/16 academic year where eligibility was based on jobseeker qualifying payments (see 4.1) the following arrangements apply: - BTEA awarded after 1 January 2013 and prior to the academic year 2015/16: BTEA can be reapproved from the commencement of the new academic year subject to continuing to satisfy the means test of the relevant payment at the commencement of the course of study irrespective of whether they were in receipt of an unemployment payment for the summer period or not. - there is no requirement to re-establish entitlement to an underlying qualifying payment and BTEA payment can continue - BTEA awarded prior to 1st January 2013: The BTEA payment can be reapproved from the commencement of the new academic year, providing that the participant is progressing to the next year of their course or progressing in their levels of education to an approved course of study under BTEA, irrespective of whether they were in receipt of an unemployment payment for the summer period or not. 4.12 Signing arrangements Jobseekers recipients who qualify for income support/credits are not required to sign-on the Live Register while attending an approved course of study during the academic year. One Parent Family 5.1 Qualifying Payments This section applies to applications received from persons in receipt of any one of the following payments. 5.2 Conditions applying to SLO and TLO An applicant must satisfy the following conditions immediately prior to the commencement of the first year of the course of study: - be a least 21 years of age AND - be in receipt of one of the specified payments at 5.1 above for at least*: - 3 months ( 78 days) for Second Level Option (SLO), - 9 months (234 days) for Third Level Option (TLO) AND - must continue to satisfy the means test (where applicable) for the duration of the academic year *Period of time spent in receipt of the relevant payment 5.3 Conditions applying to Postgraduate applicants An applicant in this category must satisfy the following conditions immediately prior to the commencement of the course of postgraduate study: - at least 24 years of age for an approved postgraduate qualification) AND - be in receipt of one of the specified payments at 5.1 above for at least**: - 9 months (234 days) for Postgraduate Study option, - 12 months (312 days) for the Professional Masters in Education **Period of time spent in receipt of the relevant payment 5.4 Applicants aged 18 but under 21 BTEA can be approved for an applicant aged at least 18 but under 21 years old provided that they have been out of formal education for at least two (2) years prior to commencement of the proposed course of study. Periods spent on SOLAS/FÁS full-time training courses or Youthreach can count towards the relevant qualifying period and may be regarded as periods out of formal education. 5.5 Specific conditions for OFP (where applicable) - means test Where a BTEA participant qualifies on the basis of a qualifying payment at 5.1 after 1st January 2013, the means test applicable should be used in determining the rate of BTEA payment and in any subsequent review. From 2016/17 all new BTEA participants who engage in part-time work while engaged with BTEA should be means assessed in accordance with the primary payment. 5.6 Duration of payment BTEA participants whose payment is based on qualifying payments set out at 5.1 will retain their BTEA payment during the summer period provided they are progressing to the following academic year of their course of study or to another approved course of study under BTEA. 5.7 Resuming the course of study – applicants prior to 2015/16 Participants who were awarded BTEA prior to the 1st January 2013 based on OFP eligibility and who are progressing to the next year of their course of study (or progressing to another course of study) will have their BTEA payment reapproved from the commencement of the next academic year. Participants who were awarded BTEA between 1st January 2013 and before the 2015/16 academic year based on OFP/JST eligibility and who are progressing to the next year of their course (or progressing to another course of study) will have their BTEA reapproved from the commencement of the new academic year, subject to continuing to satisfy the means test of the relevant payment. 5.8 Resuming the course of study –applicants from 2015/16 All BTEA approvals for study for the 2015/2016 academic year where eligibility is based on OFP/JST payment are required to re-establish their entitlement at the beginning of each academic year. The means test (if applicable) must continue to be satisfied during the academic year. Conditionality must be examined at the beginning of each academic year of the BTEA programme. Disability and Caring payments 6.1 Qualifying Payments 6.2 Conditions applying to SLO and TLO BTEA may be approved for an applicant who satisfies the following conditions immediately prior to the commencement of the first year of the course (except Illness Benefit – see 6.7) - be at least 18 years of age AND - be in receipt of one of the specified payments at 6.1 above for at least*: - 3 months ( 78 days) for Second Level Option (SLO), - 9 months (234 days) for Third Level Option (TLO) AND - must continue to satisfy the means test (where applicable) for the duration of the academic year *Periods in receipt of Illness Benefit may be counted in meeting this condition. Period of time spent in receipt of the relevant payment 6.3 Conditions applying to Postgraduate applicants An applicant in this category must satisfy the following conditions immediately prior to the commencement of the course of postgraduate study (except Illness Benefit see 6.7): - at least 24 years of age for an approved postgraduate qualification) AND - be in receipt of one of the specified payments at 5.1 above for at least**: - 9 months (234 days) for Postgraduate Study option, - 12 months (312 days) for the Professional Masters in Education **Period of time spent in receipt of the relevant payment 6.4 Specific conditions for Disability and Caring payments (where applicable) - Means test Where a BTEA participant qualifies on the basis of a qualifying payment at 6.1 after 1st January 2013, the means test applicable should be used in determining the rate of BTEA payment and in any subsequent review. 6.5 Duration of payment BTEA participants whose payment is based on qualifying payments set out at 6.1 will retain their BTEA payment during the summer period provided they are progressing to the following academic year of their course of study or to another approved course of study under BTEA. 6.6 Resuming the course of study Where BTEA was awarded prior to the 1st January 2013, and where the participant is progressing to the next year of a course of study or progressing in their levels of education, BTEA should be reapproved from the commencement of the new academic year. Where BTEA was awarded after the 1st January 2013, and where the participant is progressing to the next year of a course or study or progressing in their levels of education, BTEA should be reapproved from the commencement of the new academic year, subject to the participant continuing to satisfy the means test of the qualifying payment (see 6.1). 6.7 BTEA and Illness Benefit payments & credits BTEA can be approved (second or third level option and postgraduate) for an applicant currently in receipt of Illness Benefit (IB) payment or IB credits or the QA of such payments/ credits provided they satisfy the age requirements at 6.2 and 6.3 and are in receipt of the IB payment or credits for at least two (2) years. Where an applicant/QA does not have two (2) years on the IB payment or credits, periods spent on other BTEA qualifying payments (see 4.1,5.1, 6.1 and 3.4) can be used to count towards the qualifying period provided that at least 50% of the period is accounted for as an IB payment or credit. With respect to applicants approved for BTEA from IB credits only, no payment will be made but IB credits may continue to be made towards future potential DEASP entitlements. 6.8 BTEA and Erasmus DA customers who lost their entitlement to DA because of participation in an Erasmus year of study, may access the BTEA scheme from the date of commencement of their Erasmus participation, where SUSI is not in payment. The customer must satisfy all the other eligibility rules with the exception of the late claims provision and not commencing first year of the course (Provision 7.2) A claimant may qualify for the BTEA scheme from a reduced illness benefit claim provided they have accumulated the required number of days of entitlement at set out above. In the circumstances where a claimant is on a reduced illness benefit rate and they then satisfy the conditions of the new Governing Contribution Year. BTEA can be paid at the new revised rate from the date of which these conditions are satisfied. A BTEA participant who qualifies as the result of being a qualified adult on a DA or Carers payment will be required to establish an entitlement to a qualifying payment in their own right before being approved for BTEA. This provision is operable for all new applicants. Information general to all options 7.1 Proof of registration For all BTEA participants, written confirmation from the relevant institute of education that the applicant has registered as full-time day student must be provided. This registration letter must contain details of the course of study as outlined in the BTEA application, start date and finish date of the course for the current academic year. This letter may also be emailed directly from the Registrar's office to the Intreo centre. This document is only acceptable from the Registrars, Admissions office, Student Records Office. Payment will not issue until applicants provide this written confirmation either for new claims or resumptions. Failure to supply relevant documentation within 30 days will result in the application being deemed withdrawn. 7.2 Commencement of BTEA after first year of an approved course of study In certain circumstances, the condition that applicants must be commencing the first year of a full-time course to be approved for BTEA can be waived, subject to all other scheme conditions being full-filled. Determining Officers and Case Officers may waive the conditions where the BTEA applicant: - has been granted an exemption or credits by the educational institution based on a previous qualification(s), other education attainment or life/work experience or - had completed the earlier year(s) of the course of study on a part-time basis or - had completed the earlier year(s) on a full-time basis before becoming unemployed, or being made redundant and receiving statutory redundancy from their full-time employment, (jobseekers opting for voluntary/mandatory redundancy are excluded from this provision) - is permitted by the educational institution to proceed to the next year of a course after having previously dropped out or deferred a year due to mitigating circumstances* that would have made it unreasonable to expect an applicant to have continued the course - From 4 July 2013, former One Family Parent customers affected by age related change to OFP in full-time education who did not opt for BTEA at the start of the course may be admitted to BTEA i.e. with effect from a current date. The customer must satisfy all the other eligibility rules with the exception of the late claims provision and not first year of the course. The customer cannot be in receipt of both BTEA and a Student Maintenance grant. RSU circulars 47/13, 61/13, 24/14 and 17/15 detail the position. - Clients who were in receipt of Disability Allowance payment within 30 days prior to the commencement of their Erasmus participation, may access BTEA to participate in the one year EU Erasmus programme as part of their studies. Documentary evidence from the college must be provided and in the event that a medical condition existed supporting documentation from the doctor/specialist etc. must be submitted. *Mitigating circumstances can include a long-term illness or injury requiring prolonged absence from attendance at lectures, the serious illness of an immediate family member requiring the participant undertaking a caring responsibility, discontinuance of the course by the educational institution, force majeure. 7.3 Progression in Education course In general, BTEA should only be approved where the course of study leads to a higher qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications other than that already held by the applicant. Applicants holding a qualification at tertiary education level (certificate, diploma, primary degree or post graduate qualification) should not be approved for BTEA to pursue a course at a similar or lower qualification level*. In certain limited circumstances BTEA can be approved where the applicant proposes to undertake a course of study leading to a qualification at either QQI Levels 5 or 6 where the applicant already holds qualification at the same level or lesser level. In order for such an application to be recommended and subsequently approved, a Case Officer will consider their recommendation in terms of further professional/career development and the applicant’s overall job prospects and ensuring that the: - course of study at Level 5 or 6 is at second level - previous educational award is deemed to be in an economic sector that is no longer growing - proposed course of study is career orientated and consistent with future skills needs and/or local demand - maximum course duration of the course of study is 24 months - applicant worked for a period of at least three years and has paid PRSI contribution, AND - previous educational award was made 3 or more years prior to the commencement date of the new proposed course. BTEA cannot be approved for an applicant holding a level 7 qualification or higher and proposing to undertake a course of study at a lower level. *Reference should be made to appendix 3 – National Qualification Framework. If a QQI level 8 degree is held, application to study for QQI level 8 Higher Diploma can be approved. A person who already holds a level 7 ordinary degree can only apply for the one year add-on honours degree course. They are not eligible to commence a new four year level 8 degree course. 7.4 BTEA to undertake work placement/Thesis preparation In circumstances where BTEA participants have to, as an integral, compulsory or mandatory part of their course of study, undertake a period of work placement/experience, prepare a thesis or dissertation, BTEA can continue in payment for this period subject to section 9.1. The participant must give written notification in advance or signal this course content in the application. DO’s should require written evidence from the Registrars’ Office/Admissions Office or Student Records Office of the educational institution before confirming payment to cover this periods. Such confirmation to indicate clearly the start and completion date as this may affect the re-start of the BTEA claim. If work placement is paid, please see section 9.2. 7.5 Erasmus* BTEA participants may be approved for payment if pursuing a year of their course of study under the EU Erasmus Programme. Determining Officers should require written evidence from the Registrars’ Office/Admissions Office or Student Records Office of the educational institution before confirming payment to cover this period. Such confirmation to be received in advance of travel abroad and to include a statement that the year abroad is an integral part of the course, the start and end date of the course and the details of the college abroad where the study will be conducted and contact details of the participant while studying abroad. *The Erasmus Programme is an EU exchange student programme that has been in existence since the late 1980’s. Its purpose is to provide foreign exchange options for students from within the European Union. 7.6 Repeat years BTEA should only be approved for payment to undertake a repeat year of study. Payment should only be approved in limited circumstances , where the participant is registered and attends a full-time student for the repeat year. Only one academic year may be repeated. BTEA should not be approved for repear students registered as external students and/or examination only students. Neither should approval be given for repeat students to undertake a repeat year of study on a part-time basis. A BTEA participant who fails and repeats an exam, which results in a break of their previously awarded BTEA payment and who satisfies all other eligible criteria for BTEA may be approved for BTEA in order to progress to the next year of their course of study. If the break in payment is for a period longer than the academic year, they should be treated as new entrants to the scheme for payment purposes. *Mitigating circumstances can include a long-term illness or injury requiring prolonged absence from attendance at lectures, the serious illness of an immediate family member requiring the participant undertaking a caring responsibility, discontinuance of the course by the educational institution, force majeure 7.7 Failure to complete a course of study A BTEA participant who fails to complete, or drops out of a course of study should not be approved for a BTEA payment to pursue a different course of study and recovery of sums paid as overpayment should be considered. Where evidence of mitigating circumstances*^ are provided, Case Officer should be satisfied that in such circumstances it would be unreasonable to expect a BTEA participant to have continued the course of study. 7.8 Deferral of course A BTEA participant who defers a year of their course of study should not be re-approved for a BTEA unless evidence of mitigating circumstances are provided as at 7.7. The Case Officer should be satisfied that in such circumstances it would be unreasonable to expect a BTEA participant to have continued the course of study. Participant who defers a year of a course of study are deemed to be a new applicants and subject to the conditions on the date of re-application. 7.9 Back to Education Allowance and Student Grant Scheme (SUSI) Applicants approved for BTEA (or VTOS for those pursuing post leaving certificate courses) are not eligible for the student support grants operated by SUSI on behalf of the Department of Education and Skill. BTEA participants are eligible for support to offset the cost of the student registration fee, including other fees payable to access courses, if the BTEA participant satisfies the eligibility criteria for both. All enquiries regarding Student Grant Scheme should be directed to http://www.susi.ie/ 7.10 Method of Payment BTEA is paid on a weekly basis by Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT). Participants are required to supply details of their bank account at time of application and payment. 7.11 Secondary benefits Participants continue to receive any secondary benefits to which they would otherwise have an entitlement under the provisions of the qualifying payment and legislative arrangements applying to the specific benefits. Secondary benefits may include: - Fuel Allowance - Rent allowance and Mortgage Interest Supplement under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme*. In relation to Fuel allowance, entitlement to Fuel can notcannot be established by participating on a BTEA scheme . scheme. Please section 1.6.4 of National fuel Scheme guidelines. *In order to have an entitlement to Rent Allowance when pursuing a full-time course, a jobseeker must be in receipt of BTEA or VTOS. Any increase in income or earnings from part-time employment will affect entitlement to a Rent/Mortgage Supplement. Also, all educational grants received are assessed for Rent Allowance and Mortgage Interest Supplement purposes. Enquiries to Intreo/CSW and/or rent allowance. In all cases, any change in circumstances must be notified. Rates of Payment 8.1 BTEA awarded prior to 1st January 2013 Participants approved for BTEA before the 1st January 2013 will receive a weekly payment equivalent to the maximum standard personal rate of the qualifying payment (see 4.1, 5.1, 6.1) for the duration of a course of study (including progression to further study under BTEA). Participants receiving BTEA on the basis of being a qualified adult prior to 1st January 2013 will be paid the maximum personal rate for the qualifying payment (see 4.1, 5.1, 6.1) for the duration of course of study (including progression to further study under BTEA). This provision will cease to apply in case where a participant breaks or fails to complete a course of study (i.e. through failure to pass examinations) and does not resume study in the following academic year. In such cases, applicants should be treated as new applications under current rules in determining the level of BTEA payment. This provision will cease to apply in case where a participant breaks or completes a course of study (i.e. through failure to pass examinations) and does not resume study in the following academic year. In such cases, applicants should be treated as new applications under current rules in determining the level of BTEA payment. Where applicable, the rate of qualified adult and child dependant payment included in the BTEA payment (for participants approved prior to 1st January 2013) should be determined by reference to the tapered QA rules that apply to JB cases. This provision does not exclude recalculation of the rate of BTEA payment arising from any changes in circumstances in respect of the qualified adult and child dependant. 8.2 BTEA awarded since 1st January 2013 BTEA participants, other than those qualifying as a qualified adult, approved after 1st January 2013 receive a weekly payment rate equivalent to the value of the qualifying payment (see 4.1, 5.1, 6.1) and subject to the provisions of the means test where applicable to the qualifying payment and section 8.3 below. Where a BTEA participant qualifies on the basis of a Jobseekers Allowance payment, the means test applicable should be used in determining the rate of BTEA payment and in any subsequent review. Participants qualifying for BTEA as a qualified adult after 1st January 2013 should be paid BTEA at the QA rate of the relevant qualifying payment (see 4.1, 5.1, 6.1) . If the event of a change of entitlement to the qualifying payment (i.e. as a result of return to employment, change of means, separation) under which BTEA was awarded to the QA, the BTEA payment can be continued where the participant establishes an entitlement to a qualifying payment in their own right and at current rates of payment. 8.3 BTEA age related payments For BTEA participants on the scheme from 2017/18 (September 2017). Age related payment rates are being abolished. As a result all scheme participants will receive a weekly payment equivalent to the maximum standard personal rate of the qualifying payment (less any applicable means). 8.4 Increase payment in respect of qualified adult/child dependent Other than provided for in section 8.1 above, where a qualifying adult/child dependents payment is included in the qualifying payment (see 4.1, 5.1, 6.1), the BTEA payment should be calculated to include these allowances. If there is a change in circumstances which effect increases for Qualified Adult/child entitlements, a review of these allowances should be completed and the rate payable for these allowances adjusted accordingly. 8.5 Qualified Adult Dependent of a jobseeker The rate of payment for a BTEA participant who qualifies as the result of being a qualified adult on a jobseekers payment will be required to establish an entitlement to a qualifying payment in their own right before being approved for BTEA. This provision is operable for all new applicants from 2nd June 2015. 8.6 Cost of Education Allowance Introduction of the Cost of Education Allowance for BTEA participants with Qualified child entitlements. From 1st September 2017 the Cost of Education allowance of €500 per academic year is payable to all BTEA participants with a qualified child payment on their claim. NOTE: Participants on Part time Education option (PTEO) are not entitled to the allowance (including Springboard courses and ICT Skills under PTEO). To qualify for the Cost of Education Allowance the BTEA participant must: - be registered as a full-time day student - have a qualified child allowance payable on the BTEA claim, - have been approved for BTEA (SLO or TLO) for the 2017/18 academic year. - have provided written confirmation from the college i.e. Registrars, Student Records or Admissions office that they are registered and commencing or continuing a full time course of study. - provide a start and finishing date of the course in the current academic year and stating the year of the course being pursued. BTEA participants have until 30th November to supply the required documentation to the Intreo Centre. If evidence of registration is not supplied by this date, payment of BTEA should be suspended immediately. Where both the primary claimant and the qualified adult are engaged with BTEA the maximum rate of payment of the Cost of Education Allowance in respect of their combined claims should be €500 per academic year. There is no requirement to record an overpayment when a participant does not compelte the academic year, providing the applicant satisfied the qualifying criteria for the Cost of Education Allowance when the payment was awarded. Effect of means on certain BTEA claims . 9.1 Part-time work Since the 2016/2017 academic year, participants getting BTEA who take up work during the academic year will be assessed under the rules (including means assessment) of their primary payment – i.e. the payment they qualified for BTEA from. This only applies to new applicants or people who return to BTEA after a break. The condition of entitlement that a person must be unemployed for 4 days in any consecutive 7 days in order to receive Jobseeker’s Allowance does not apply for the period of BTEA entitlement. JA BTEA participants who were initially approved for the 2013/14, 2014/15 and 2015/16 academic years (“saver” cases, see table below) may engage in part-time employment after the course commences without affecting their rate of payment providing the work does not interfere with college attendance. Any additional income may affect entitlement to Rent/Mortgage Supplement and the fuel allowance payments to the household including their spouse/partner’s means tested DEASP payment. As previously stated if there is a change in means circumstances, other than the commencement of part-time work by the claimant, during the academic year, then a revised decision should be applied. From 2015, all new JB/ BTEA participants who are engaged in part-time work will be determine in accordance with JB legislation as if the person was in receipt of JB. Table to assist with “saver” cases. Officers should also note that part-time work may affect entitlements to secondary benefits such as Fuel Allowance, Rent Allowance/Mortgage Interest supplement. Information on such situation can be found by consulting Stór or http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/home.aspx. 9.2 Paid Work Placement Where a BTEA participant receives payment for an integral/mandatory/compulsory work placement (see section 7.4) this should be assessed as at 9.1. On completion of work placement, the participant should contact the Local Intreo Centre to reactovate the BTEA claim (subject to normal BTEA rules). 9.3 Revised means decisions – effective from 1st January 2013 Where a change of circumstances based on means arises (i.e. where a spouse/partner commences or loses work, increased income) the BTEA payment rate must be revised using the rules applicable to means on the qualifying payment. Such change could also result in a requirement to review the rate payable in respect of a qualified adult/child dependent allowance. Applications, Documentation and Decision Procedures 10.1 Applications. All applications must be submitted on an official BTEA application form (BTE1) available on the Department’s website or in paper version at Intreo Centres. Officers should facilitate customers to make applications at the earlier opportunity with final decisions on eligibility and payment rates reserved until immediately prior to commencement of the course of study when confirmation is available. The BTEA application (and resumption of study) form must - Be completed in all respects - Contain supporting documentation in the name of the applicant, to include - CAO application receipt or equivalent from an educational institution detailing the proposed course of study and name of educational institution - If available, confirmation of commencement and finishing date of the course in the current academic year - Recommendation of a Case Officer that the course of study is consistent with the requirements set out in these rules and guidelines. The application process consists of the following steps: Completion and submission of the application form (BTE1) plus supporting documentation (confirmation of application to educational institution/CAO/ETB-FTE containing a statement of course choices or equivalent) Where required, an assessment by Case Officer of application and suitability of proposed course of study to jobseeker’s career development Where required, recommendation by the Case Officer based on final course offer from educational institution (admissions office/registrars confirmation) Completion of eligibility assessment by determining officer and issue of provisional award letter pending receipt of registration letter from educational institution On receipt of registration letter containing all relevant information, issue of full award letter and commencement of BTEA payment – see 7.1) Update of ISTS/TLA systems and file notes Intreo Centres should advertise the opportunities afforded by BTEA by advising jobseekers and by displaying posters and other materials advertising the scheme. 10.2 Timing of applications. Jobseekers should be encouraged to submit the BTE1 application form once they have applied for a course of study and have received notification from the educational institution/CAO that an application has been received (generally available from March each year). Case Officers and Determining Officers may make preliminary determination of suitability and eligibility pending final offer of a course of study by an educational institution (generally made from mid-August to mid-September each year). In all cases, applications should be made in advance and no later than 30 days of the commencement of the course of study to enable scheduling of assessment processes and interviews with applicants, if deemed necessary and the establishment of eligibility and provisional award of payment by the Determining Officer. 10.3 Late applications Applications received more than 30 days after commencement of a course of study are deemed to be late applications and therefore cannot be considered for the scheme. 10.4 Decisions The Case Officer will determine suitability for the course of study and the alignment with the customer’s personal progression plan (if appropriate) with the Determining Officer has sole responsibility for assessing eligibility for the scheme and the making of decisions in respect of the issue of a provisional award letter and final award letter. Eligibility for the scheme can only be determined immediately prior to the commencement of the course. Final approval letters should only issue when all conditionality of the BTEA scheme are met in full (see 7.1) and following verification of payment requirements. A template letter is available on the Employment Support Services site on Stór. A copy of this letter should be kept on the customer’s file. 10.5 Refusals. In the event that a Case Officer is unable to make a positive recommendation or if the conditions of entitlement are not satisfied, notification must issue to the applicant clearly stating the specific grounds for refusal of BTEA. The claimant must be advised of his/her right to have the decision communicated re-examined and reviewed within 21 days of the issue of the letter of refusal and the manner in which a request for a re-examination/review can be made. 10.6 Re-examination/review of decision to refuse. An applicant who is not satisfied with a recommendation of a Case Officer and/or a decision of a Determining Office may request in writing to have their application and assessment re-examined and reviewed. The request must state clearly the basis of the review being requested and enclose any new evidence or any other information to address the reasons for refusal communicated by the Department. As BTEA is an administrative scheme, a re-examination and review must be conducted by an officer of the Department with relevant knowledge of the operation of BTEA and not involved in the previous recommendation/decision or by a higher officer of the relevant Intreo Centre. Divisions/Intreo Centres should put in place standard arrangements for dealing with re-examination and reviews of BTEA recommendations and award decisions. Decisions cannot be appealed to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. The reviewing officer should ensure the original decision and any new evidence supplied is examined taking these rules and guidelines into consideration in their entirety. The outcome of this re-examination and review should be clearly documented and communicated clearly to the applicant outlining in detail why the application has been awarded or refused and noting that all new evidence has been taken into consideration in coming to a final decision. (If BTEA is refused based on the recommendation of the Case Officer, the review should be taken by another Case Officer or Area Manager in the Division attached to the relevant office.) 10.7 ISTS/TLA system. Staff should ensure that all SLO/TLO/OSLO/OTLO/ISLO/ITLO applications received and processed are recorded/input on the TLA system (available on OFFICE). Data on the operation of BTEA is essential to the management of the scheme and therefore all applications should be recorded as: - Received - Pending - Awarded - Refused A training manual for this system and relevant refusal and analysis codes are available on stór. Control and change in circumstances 11.1 Control requirements Officers should refer to the Department’s anti-fraud strategy which requires that effective divisional and local controls are implemented to protect the expenditure of public funds, prevent fraudulent activity/claims and minimise errors in the processing and approval of applications for BTEA. Actions relating to control of BTEA must be aligned with the aims to reduce fraud and abuse, minimise risks to public funds and eliminate incorrect payments. Division must ensure that systematic verification processes, including reviews, are implemented during the payment cycle. And where required, termination of BTEA payment at academic year end. Additionally, divisions should provide for targeted inspections of BTEA participants to ensure ongoing compliance. 11.2 Responsibilities of the divisions/Intreo Centres In general, at least 5% of BTEA payments should be examined annually. Measures undertaken at divisional level will be supported by control actions undertaken by BTEA central policy unit. Failure by participants to comply with the rules and conditions of the scheme should result in termination of the BTEA payment and, where identified, the raising of an overpayment or consideration of a prosecution where fraudulent conduct is suspected. The actions of divisional staff is essential in ensuring that such situation do not arise, particularly in respect of providing information and guidance to participants on the ongoing need to advise the Department of any changes that might impact on eligibility to the BTEA scheme. Primary responsibly for control and monitoring rests with the Determining Officer and the Case Officer managing the application. Before payment is approved, the Determining Officer must ensure that a registration letter from the Registrar’s office of the respective college is provided confirming that the applicant is registered as a full-time student of that college and that this registration letter is consistent with the recommended course of study in the application form. 11.3 Finish dates and end of academic year processes A form SLO8/TLO8 will issue centrally to BTEA participants on behalf of Intreo Centres in March/April annually to request the supply the course finish dates for the current academic year (normally date of last exam) and to determine a participant’s intentions for the future academic year. On return of the SLO8/TLO8 forms, Intreo Centres will ensure that actions set out in the TLO training manual are implemented. The training manual is available on the Employment Support Services site on Stór.) In the absence of information or failure to notify the Department of future intentions by the return date of the SLO8/TLO8, Intreo Centres should cease payment to avoid overpayments arising. 11.4 Control following award of BTEA payment Failure to comply with the conditions of the scheme may result in an overpayment and possible prosecution. As outlined in RSU circulars 82/08, 107/09, 65/10, 67/13, 34/14 and 2/15A BTEA participant must provide documentary proof of their on-going attendance at their full time course of study to ensure continuing eligibility to the BTEA payment. This must be in the form of written confirmation or certification from the educational institution of continued registration and attendance at a full-time course of study. Once awarded, BTEA participants are obliged to notify the Department immediately if they: - Cease attending their course of study - propose to transfer/change their course of study for which BTEA was originally awarded - intend to travel abroad as part of their course of study - undertake a work placement, including that for which they will receive an income - take up part-time employment - are affected by any change of circumstance that may affect their eligibility for the qualifying payment or the value of the BTEA payment. Failure to or a delay in the supply of this information within a reasonable period should result in a termination of the BTEA payment and assessment of an overpayment: 11.5 Recovery of Overpayments Where BTEA participants are paid amounts to which they are not entitled, arrangements for debt recovery will be pursued. A review may also be initiated on receipt of notification of any change in circumstances which may affect entitlement or the appropriate rate of payment. Where a participant has received BTEA payments from the Department of Social Protection, which he or she was not entitled to receive, the participant shall be liable to repay on demand a sum not exceeding the amount of the money received. There is no requirement to record an overpayment when a participant does not compelte the academic year, providing the applicant satisfied the qualifying criteria for the Cost of Education Allowance when the payment was awarded. 11.6 Co-ordination of results Results from all BTEA control exercises undertaken at local and divisional level should be forwarded to the BTEA central policy section (Shannon Lodge) for consideration. Information Leaflet (SW70) and application form (BTE1) are available from: - www.welfare.ie - Nationwide network of Social Welfare Local Offices/Intreo, - Employment Support Services, Back to Education Schemes Section, Shannon Lodge, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim. - Social Welfare Services Office, College Road, Sligo, - Social Welfare Services Office, Government Buildings, Ballinalee Road, Longford, - Information Service, Social Welfare Services Office, College Road, Sligo. Completed application form (BTE1) should be returned to: - Persons in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance, Jobseekers Benefit, Farm Assist One Parent Family Payment or Jobseekers transitional Payment (paid by your local Social Welfare Office/Intreo) must return the completed application form (BTE1) to the relevant Social Welfare Local Office. - Persons in receipt of a One-Parent Family Payment, (paid from Social Welfare Services Sligo) Deserted Wife's Allowance, Deserted Wife's Benefit, Widow's/Widower's Non-Contributory Pension, Widow's/Widower's Contributory Pension, Prisoners Wife's Allowance or Blind Pension must return the completed application form (BTE1) to the Social Welfare Services Office, College Road, Sligo. - Persons in receipt of Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, Incapacity Supplement or Carer's Allowance must return the completed application form (BTE1) to Social Welfare Services Office, Government Buildings, Ballinalee Road, Longford. - Persons in receipt of Illness Benefit must return the completed application form (BTE1) to Illness Benefit Section, Arás Mhic Dhiarmada, Store St., Dublin 1.
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A - Liúntas um Fhilleadh ar Oideachas - Cad é an Liúntas um Fhilleadh ar Oideachas? - Cad iad na roghanna staidéir? - Conas a cháilítear don Liúntas um Fhilleadh ar Oideachas? - Conas a dhéantar iarratas? - Rátaí íocaíochta? - An ndéantar faireachán ar an Liúntas? - An féidir achomharc a dhéanamh in aghaidh cinnidh? Cad é an Liúntas um Fhilleadh ar Oideachas? Scéim is ea an Liúntas um Fhilleadh ar Oideachas atá oiriúnach do dhaoine dífhostaithe, do thuismitheoirí aonair agus do dhaoine faoi mhíchumas a fhaigheann íocaíochtaí áirithe ón Roinn Coimirce Sóisialaí. Féadfar an liúntas a íoc le daoine ar mian leo tabhairt faoi chúrsaí faofa oideachais dara leibhéal nó tríú leibhéal. Ní íocaíocht dífhostaíochta é an Liúntas um Fhilleadh ar Oideachas. Íoctar an Liúntas in ionad na hÍocaíochta Leasa Shóisialaigh a chuir i dteideal thú páirt a ghlacadh sa scéim seo. Má tá tú ag síniú i gcomhair creidmheasanna dífhostaíochta nó má tá tú ag cur isteach teastas leighis i dtaca le creidmheasanna breoiteachta, féadfaidh tú iarratas a dhéanamh ar pháirt a ghlacadh sa scéim ach ní bhfaighidh tú aon íocaíocht ón Roinn Coimirce Sóisialaí. Ón 1 Meitheamh 2014, ní mór do Chásoifigeach measúnú a dhéanamh ar iarratais nua. Cad iad na roghanna staidéir? Tá dhá rogha staidéir ar fáil faoin scéim: Rogha Dara Leibhéal Is féidir leat freastal ar chúrsa oideachais dara leibhéal in aon scoil phobail, in aon scoil chuimsitheach, in aon mheánscoil nó in aon ghairmscoil Caithfidh an cúrsa: - a bheith ina chúrsa lae lánaimseartha, agus - caithfidh cáilíocht atá aitheanta ag an Roinn Oideachais agus Scileanna a bheith mar thoradh air, nó - caithfidh cáilíocht atá faofa ag Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna a bheith mar thoradh air. Áirítear leis na cúrsaí an Teastas Sóisearach, an Ardteistiméireacht, an Iar-Ardteistiméireacht nó Dioplóma Náisiúnta (Comhairle um Oideachas Gnó agus Teicneolaíochta - COGT/BTEC). Ina theannta sin, aithnítear Bonnchúrsaí nó Cúrsaí Rochtana lánaimseartha oideachais tríú leibhéal faoin Rogha Dara Leibhéal de scéim an Liúntais um Fhilleadh ar Oideachas. Rogha Tríú Leibhéal Is féidir leat tabhairt faoi chúrsa tríú leibhéal in aon ollscoil, in aon choláiste tríú leibhéal nó in aon fhoras ar choinníoll: - gur cúrsa lae lánaimseartha é, agus - go bhfuil an cúrsa faofa ag an Roinn Oideachais ag us Scileanna i dtaca le Scéim na nDeontas do Mhic Léinn (faoin Acht um Tacaíocht do Mhic Léinn 2011 agus á riar ag Tacaíocht Chomhchoiteann do Mhic Léinn in Éirinn - SUSI), nó - go bhfuil an cúrsa aitheanta ag Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna. Tabhair faoi deara: Ní bhaineann an rogha iarchéime de scéim an Liúntais um Fhilleadh ar Oideachas ach le daoine ar mian leo tabhairt faoi cheann díobh seo: - cúrsa iarchéime staidéir arb é an toradh leis ná cáilíocht Ard-Dioplóma (H. Dip.) i ndisciplín ar bith, nó - Máistir Gairmiúil Oideachais (Bunmhúinteoireacht nó Meánmhúinteoireacht). Níl ach cúrsaí iarchéime in Éirinn intofa do scéim an Liúntais um Fhilleadh ar Oideachas. Ní aithnítear cáilíochtaí iarchéime eile, agus céim Mháistir san áireamh, chun críocha an Liúntais um Fhilleadh ar Oideachas. Ní bhfaighidh tú an Liúntas um Fhilleadh ar Oideachas má tá cáilíocht iarchéime agat cheana. Conas a cháilítear don Liúntas um Fhilleadh ar Oideachas? Oireann an Liúntas um Fhilleadh ar Oideachas do réimse leathan daoine a bhféadfaí go mba mhaith leo filleadh ar oideachas. Mar sin, tá bealaí éagsúla ina gcáilíonn daoine, de réir a n-aoise agus de réir a ndálaí. Chun cáiliú don Liúntas seo, ní mór duit a bheith: - 18 mbliana d’aois agus faoi bhun 21 bhliain d’aois agus an t-oideachas foirmiúil fágtha agat le dhá bhliain, - 21 bhliain d’aois ar a laghad, nó - 24 bliana d’aois ar a laghad más mian leat tabhairt faoi staidéar iarchéime, agus - ní mór ceann de na híocaíochtaí seo a bheith á fháil agat, - le 3 mhí (78 lá i ndífhostaíocht) ar a laghad i dtaca leis an Rogha Dara Leibhéal - le 9 mí (234 lá i ndífhostaíocht) ar a laghad i dtaca leis an Rogha Tríú Leibhéal - Liúntas nó Sochar do Lucht Cuardaigh Fostaíochta, - Íocaíocht Teaghlaigh Aontuismitheora, - Íocaíocht Eatramhach do Lucht Cuardaigh Fostaíochta, - Liúntas nó Sochar do Bhanchéile Tréigthe, - Pinsean Baintrí, Baintrí Fir nó Pháirtnéara Shibhialta - Liúntas do Bhanchéile Príosúnaigh, nó Lena chois sin, is féidir leat iarratas a dhéanamh ar Liúntas um Fhilleadh ar Oideachas má tá tú: - 18 mbliana d’aois ar a laghad, nó - 24 bliana d’aois ar a laghad más mian leat tabhairt faoi staidéar iarchéime, agus - má fhaigheann tú ceann díobh seo a leanas, - le 3 mhí (78 lá i ndífhostaíocht) ar a laghad i dtaca leis an Rogha Dara Leibhéal - le 9 mí (234 lá i ndífhostaíocht) ar a laghad i dtaca leis an Rogha Tríú Leibhéal - le 12 mhí (312 lá) ar a laghad i dtaca leis an Máistir Gairmiúil Oideachais - Pinsean na nDall, - Liúntas Míchumais, - Pinsean Easláine, - *Dhá - bhliain i gcás an tSochair Bhreoiteachta. * Is féidir am a chaitear ar an Sochar Breoiteachta a áireamh ó thaobh na tréimhse cáiliúcháin, fad is a chaitear 50% ar a laghad den tréimhse cháiliúcháin ar an íocaíocht ábhartha leasa shóisialaigh a chuireann i dteideal thú dáiríre páirt a ghlacadh i scéim an Liúntais um Fhilleadh ar Oideachas. Maolaítear an riail 50%, áfach, i dtaca le daoine a fhaigheann an Sochar Breoiteachta agus a cháilíonn ina dhiaidh sin d’íocaíocht cháiliúcháin eile a bhaineann le breoiteacht. Líon na laethanta dífhostaíochta a íoctar nó a chuirtear chun sochair de réir na reachtaíochta ar an lucht cuardaigh fostaíochta. Maidir le daoine dar deonaíodh Iomarcaíocht Reachtúil faoi reachtaíocht na hÉireann, d’fhéadfadh fáil a bheith acu láithreach ar scéim an Liúntais um Fhilleadh ar Oideachas, (nó laistigh de bhliain amháin i ndiaidh dheonú na hIomarcaíochta Reachtúla), ar chuntar go ndéanfaí teidlíocht ar íocaíocht ábhartha leasa shóisialaigh a shuíomh díreach sula rachfaí i mbun an chúrsa fhaofa staidéir. Ní féidir, áfach, fáil ar an Liúntas um Fhilleadh ar Oideachas a bheith láithreach ag daoine a roghnaíonn scéim iomarcaíochta deonaí. I gcoitinne, ní foláir nó gurb é an toradh a bheidh ar an gcúrsa lánaimseartha faofa ná ardcháilíocht ar an gCreat Náisiúnta Cáilíochtaí seachas an ceann atá ag an duine cheana. Níor chóir go mbeadh teidlíocht ag daoine atá ina gcéimithe cheana ar an Liúntas um Fhilleadh ar Oideachas chun gabháil do chúrsa ar leibhéal comhchosúil cáilíochta. Má tá cáilíocht ag duine ar leibhéal 4 ó Chomhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna, ní folaír nó go mbíonn siad ag dul chun cinn i dtreo cáilíochta ar leibhéal 5. Ní féidir le duine ag a bhfuil gnáthchéim ar leibhéal 7 cheana ach iarratas a dhéanamh ar an gcúrsa forlíontach bliana ar mhaithe le céim onóracha. Níl an duine sin intofa chun cromadh ar nuachúrsa céime ceithre bliana ar leibhéal 8. Is féidir Liúntas um Fhilleadh ar Oideachas a cheadú do dhuine ag a bhfuil cáilíocht ar Leibhéal 5 nó 6 cheana faoin gCreat Náisiúnta Cáilíochtaí chun go dtabharfaidh sé/sí faoi chúrsa ar an leibhéal céanna. Ní bhaineann an t-athrú seo ar an riail um dhul chun cinn ach i ndálaí teoranta áirithe le cúrsaí dara leibhéal ar leibhéal 5 agus 6. Tabhair faoi deara: Féadfar am a chaitear ar Liúntas um Fhilleadh ar Oideachas, SDOG/VTOS, Cúrsa Lánaimseartha Oiliúna SOLAS, Tús, Scéim Náisiúnta Intéirneachta, Clár na Socrúchán Oibre, Scéim Dreasachta Poist Pháirtaimseartha, Scéimeanna Fostaíochta Pobail, Clár an Gheilleagair Shóisialta, Scéim Shóisialta na Tuaithe, Scéim na Fiontraíochta um Fhilleadh ar Obair, Scéim Ghearrthréimhseach na Fiontraíochta, Tairseach/Gateway nó Postchúnamh a áireamh ó thaobh na tréimhse cáiliúcháin. s i ndálaí ina bhfuil Cásoifigeach sásta gur fearr an rogha gníomhachtúcháin é cúrsa staidéir, agus sna dálaí sin amháin, ar ceart d’iarratasóir stad de bheith ag gabháil do na cláir seo roimh an gcríoch. Ní chuimsíonn intofacht don Liúntas um Fhilleadh ar Oideachas Daoine Fásta Cáilithe na rannpháirtithe sna scéimeanna seo. Is féidir am a chaitear ar Ógtheagmháil a áireamh ó thaobh na tréimhse cáiliúcháin i dtaca le Liúntas um Fhilleadh ar Oideachas, an túisce a dhéantar teidlíocht ar íocaíocht ábhartha leasa shóisialaigh a shuíomh, roimh do dhuine an Clár Ógtheagmhála a chríochnú, nó tar éis do dhuine an Clár Ógtheagmhála a chríochnú. - Is féidir am a chaitear ar Liúntas Forlíontach Leasa nó Soláthar Díreach ó Fheidhmeannacht na Seirbhíse Sláinte a áireamh ó thaobh na tréimhse cáiliúcháin i dtaca le Liúntas um Fhilleadh ar Oideachas, ar chuntar go ndéantar teidlíocht ar íocaíocht ábhartha leasa shóisialaigh a shuíomh sula dtosaítear an cúrsa oideachais. - Más rud - é go n-éiríonn duine as ceann de na scéimeanna seo, féadfaidh cásoifigeach Liúntas um Fhilleadh ar Oideachas a mholadh mar thionscaint níos fearr. - Is féidir am a chaitear i bpríosún a ghlacadh, nó a áireamh ó thaobh na tréimhse cáiliúcháin i dtaca le Liúntas um Fhilleadh ar Oideachas, ar chuntar go ndéantar teidlíocht ar íocaíocht ábhartha leasa shóisialaigh a shuíomh sula dtosaítear cúrsa faofa oideachais. - Má cháilíonn tú do ‘chreidmheasanna curtha chun sochair’, roimh duit cúrsa faofa staidéir a thosú, leanfaidh tú de ‘chreidmheasanna’ a fháil le linn duit a bheith ar Liúntas um Fhilleadh ar Oideach - Ní - mór do chúrsa a bheith á thosú agat i mbliain a haon. Is féidir leat iarratas a dhéanamh*, áfach: - a) Má tá tú díolmhaithe ó chuid de do chúrsa mar gheall ar cháilíocht a fuair tú i gcúrsa roimhe seo. Mar shampla, tá ardteastas agat i gcúrsa is mian leat anois a dhéanamh ar leibhéal na céime. - bhí bliain/blianta tosaigh an chúrsa críochnaithe agat ar bhonn lánaimseartha roimh duit a bheith dífhostaithe, nó sula ndearnadh iomarcaíocht ort agus iomaracaíocht reachtúil á fáil agat ón bhfostaíocht lánaimseartha, (coinnítear amach ón bhforáil seo na daoine sin den lucht cuardaigh fostaíochta a roghnaíonn an iomarcaíocht dheonach). * Faoi réir coinníollacha eile na scéime a chomhlíonadh. Chun eolas reatha ar choinníollacha cáiliúcháin na scéimeanna a fháil, déan teagmháil, le do thoil, le do Lárionad Intreo áitiúil, d’Oifig Leasa Shóisialaigh áitiúil nó Scéimeanna um Fhilleadh ar Oideachas An Roinn Coimirce Sóisialaí Seirbhísí Leasa Shóisialaigh Tithe an Rialtais Lóiste na Sionainne Cora Droma Rúisc Contae Liatroma. Liúntas um Fhilleadh ar Oideachas do Dhaoine Fásta Cáilithe. Is féidir leis an mbeirt pháirtnéir cáiliú do Liúntas um Fhilleadh ar Oideachas in éineacht le chéile agus is féidir tacú leo chun tabhairt faoi chúrsaí staidéir. Féadfar an Cleithiúnaí, ar Duine Fásta Cáilithe é/í, ar dhuine a fhaigheann ceann de na híocaíochtaí cáiliúcháin chun críocha an Liúntais um Fhilleadh ar Oideachas a fhaomhadh do Liúntas um Fhilleadh ar Oideachas, ar chuntar go ndéanann sé/sí teidlíocht ar íocaíocht cháiliúcháin i dtaca le Liúntas um Fhilleadh ar Oideachas a shuíómh dá c(h)eart féin agus faoi réir gach coinníoll eile an Liúntais um Fhilleadh ar Oideachas a chomhlíonadh. Is cóir tréimhsí ina bhfaightear Liúntas um Dhuine Fásta Cáilithe ar íocaíochtaí cáiliúcháin a áireamh mar aon le tréimhsí ar bith ina bhfaightear íocaíocht cháiliúcháin dá c(h)eart féin, ar chuntar nach mbristear na héilimh le breis agus Ní shíneann an fhoráil chun intofacht a chur ar fáil i dtaca leis an gCleithiúnaí, ar Duine Fásta Cáilithe é/í, ar dhuine ar a ndéantar Iomarcaíocht Reachtúil. Ní chuimsíonn intofacht don Liúntas um Fhilleadh ar Oideachas Daoine Fásta Cáilithe na rannpháirtithe sna scéimeanna gníomhachtúcháin. Conas a dhéantar iarratas? Is cóir duit teagmháil a dhéanamh le do choláiste/scoil dara leibhéal nó tríú leibhéal áitiúil chun sonraí dá gcúrsaí a fháil. Tabharfaidh siad comhairle duit maidir le conas áit ar an gcúrsa a roghnaíonn tú a fháil. Nuair a bheidh glactha leat ar chúrsa, líon an fhoirm BTE 1chun é sin a chur in iúl dúinn. Is cóir iarratais ar Liúntas um Fhilleadh ar Oideachas a dhéanamh sula dtosaíonn cúrsa faofa ach glacfar le hiarratais dhéanacha má fhaightear iad laistigh de 30 lá ó dháta tosaigh an chúrsa. Tugann an íocaíocht leasa shóisialaigh a fhaigheann tú le fios cén áit ar cóir an fhoirm BTE 1 a sheoladh agus í líonta agat. Ón 1 Meitheamh 2014, déanfaidh Cásoifigeach measúnú ar na hiarratais nua. Má fhaigheann tú: - Liúntas nó Sochar do Bhanchéile Tréigthe, — Pinsean Baintrí, Baintrí Fir nó Páirtnéara Shibhialta Mharthanaigh (Ranníocach nó Neamh- Ranníocach), — Liúntas do Bhanchéile Príosúnaigh, nó — Pinsean na nDall cuir an fhoirm BTE 1 líonta chuig:: An Roinn Coimirce Sóisialaí Seirbhísí Leasa Shóisialaigh Bóthar an Choláiste Sligeach. cuir an fhoirm BTE 1líonta ar ais chuig do Lárionad Intreo áitiúil nó d’Oifig Leasa Shóisialaigh áitiúil.. - Má fhaigheann tú: - Liúntas Míchumais, - Pinsean Easláine, - Forlíonadh Éagumais, nó - Liúntas Cúramóra cuir an fhoirm BTE 1 líonta chuig: An Roinn Coimirce Sóisialaí Seirbhísí Leasa Shóisialaigh Bóthar Bhéal Átha na Lao An Longfort. - Má tá Sochar Breoiteachta á fháil agat le dhá bhliain anuas ar a laghad(féach na nótaí), cuir an fhoirmBTE 1 líonta chuig: Scéimeanna um Fhilleadh ar Oideachas An Roinn Coimirce Sóisialaí Rannóg an tSochair Bhreoiteachta Áras Mhic Dhiarmada Sráid an Stórais Baile Átha Cliat Ráta íocaíochta? Más iontrálaí nua thú ar íocaíocht leasa shóisialaigh, seachas íocaíocht do lucht cuardaigh fostaíochta atá bainteach le haois, a cháilíonn don Liúntas um Fhilleadh ar Oideachas, cuirfear an ráta seachtainiúil is iníoctha in ionad d’íocaíochta reatha. San áit ar cuí sin, is féidir freisin go gcáileoidh tú do mhéaduithe do dhuine fásta cáilithe agus do gach leanbh cáilithe. Maidir le hiontrálaithe nua faoi bhun 26 bliana d’aois ar íocaíocht do lucht cuardaigh fostaíochta atá bainteach le haois, gheobhaidh siad uasráta pearsanta €160. I gcásanna inarb ann d’acmhainn, measúnófar iad i bhfianaise an ráta €160. Ón mbliain acadúil 2016/17, measúnófar rannpháirtithe nua sa Liúntas um Fhilleadh ar Oideachas, a théann le hobair pháirtaimseartha laistigh den bhliain acadúil, de réir na híocaíochta príomha. San áit a n-eascraíonn athrú ar dhálaí ar bhonn acmhainne (is é sin le rá, san áit a dtosaíonn/gcailleann do chéile/pháirtnéir obair, ioncam méadaithe) ní mór ráta íocaíochta do Liúntais um Fhilleadh ar Oideachas a athmheas trí úsáid a bhaint as na rialacha is infheidhmithe maidir le hacmhainn ar d’íocaíocht cháiliúcháin. Is féidir an Liúntas um Fhilleadh ar Oideachas a íoc go díreach isteach i do chuntas in institiúid airgeadais. Ní foláir nó gur cuntas reatha, taisce nó coigiltis é an cuntas seo, ach ní ghlacfar le cuntas morgáiste. Tabhair faoi deara: - Má bhí íocaíocht dífhostaíochta á fáil agat roimhe seo, íoctar an liúntas i rith na bliana acadúla amháin. Ní íoctar é i leith thréimhse an tsamhraidh idir na blianta acadúla. - Féadfaidh rannpháirtithe sa Liúntas um Fhilleadh ar Oideachas nach n-éiríonn leo post a fháil i rith an tsamhraidh, éileamh a dhéanamh ar íocaíocht dífhostaíochta, ach ní féidir é seo a dhéanamh ach má chomhlíonann siad na gnáthchoinníollacha cáiliúcháin. - Má leanann tú ar aghaidh go dtí an chéad bhliain eile de do chúrsa nó má bhogann tú ar aghaidh chun ardcháilíocht a bhaint amach, gheobhaidh tú do Liúntas um Fhilleadh ar Oideachas ó thús na bliana acadúla nua má chomhlíonann tú na rialacha i leith na híocaíochta príomha, mar shampla an tástáil acmhainne i leith an Liúntais do Lucht Cuardaigh Fostaíochta a chomhlíonadh. - Má chríochnaíonn tú cúrsa amháin, ach más rún duit dul ar aghaidh chun ardcháilíocht a bhaint amach sa chéad bhliain acadúil eile, ní mór duit athiarratas a dhéanamh ar an Liúntas um Fhilleadh ar Oideachas. - Ní féidir Liúntas um Fhilleadh ar Oideachas agus Deontas Cothabhála do Mhac Léinn Ardoideachais a fháil ag an am céanna. Is féidir, áfach, go mbeidh tú intofa do mhuirear sheirbhísí na mac léinn agus/nó do tháillí teagaisc faoi scéim na ndeontas do mhic léinn. Seiceáil www.education.iechun sonraí a fháil. Sochair thánaisteacha Féadfaidh tú sochair thánaisteacha ar bith atá agat cheana amhail Liúntas Breosla, Forlíonadh Aiste Bia, Forlíonadh Cíosa nó Forlíonadh Úis Mhorgáiste (Féadfaidh aon mhéadú ioncaim dul i bhfeidhm ar d’Fhorlíonadh Cíosa nó Úis Mhorgáiste nó má fhaigheann do chéile nó do pháirtnéir íocaíocht de réir tástála acmhainne amhail Liúntas do Lucht Cuardaigh Fostaíochta nó Liúntas Míchumais), a choimeád faoin Scéim um Liúntas Forlíontach Leasa. Ón mbliain acadúil 2016/17, measúnófar rannpháirtithe nua sa Liúntas um Fhilleadh ar Oideachas, a théann le hobair pháirtaimseartha laistigh den bhliain acadúil, de réir a n-íocaíochta príomha. Tá aon ioncam a fhaigheann tú nó do chéile, do pháirtnéir sibhialta nó do chomhchónaitheoir inmheasúnaithe i dtaca le Forlíonadh Cíosa nó Úis Mhorgáiste agus féadfaidh sé dul i bhfeidhm ar liúntas breosla más iníoctha. Déan teagmháil leis an oifig áitiúil a riarann an Liúntas Forlíontach Leasa chun a fháil amach conas mar a fhéadfar dul i bhfeidhm ar d’Fhorlíonadh Cíosa nó Úis Mhorgáiste. An ndéantar faireachán ar an Liúntas? Déantar. Ní mór duit litir a chur isteach ó oifig an chláraitheora/ ó oifig thaifid na mac léinn/ón oifig iontrála ina ndeimhnítear go bhfuil tú cláraithe mar mhac léinn lánaimseartha. Caithfidh tú an t-eolas seo a sholáthar sula bhfaighidh tú aon íocaíocht. gcaitheamh na bliana acadúla, is féidir go mbeidh ort deimhniú a thabhairt go bhfuil tú fós ag glacadh páirte sa chúrsa. Ní íocaíocht dífhostaíochta é an Liúntas um Fhilleadh ar Oideachas agus ní cheanglaítear ar rannpháirtithe ‘síniú a dhéanamh'. Ní mór i gcónaí do dhaoine a fhaigheann Liúntas nó Sochar do Lucht Cuardaigh Fostaíochta réamhcheadú na Roinne a lorg chun páirt a ghlacadh in aon chúrsa oideachais. Mura n-iarrtar an ceadú seo, is féidir go leanfaidh ró-íocaíocht agus ionchúiseamh féideartha dá thoradh. Tabhair faoi deara, le do thoil, gur cóir duit é a chur in iúl don Roinn láithreach má éiríonn tú as do chúrsa oideachais nó má théann tú i mbun fostaíochta. Is féidir freisin go mbeidh tú faoi dhliteanas ó thaobh airgead a íocadh leat faoin Liúntas um Fhilleadh ar Oideachas a íoc ar ais linn. Má dhéanann tú athiarratas ar aon íocaíocht leasa shóisialaigh, ní mór duit coinníollacha cáiliúcháin na scéime a chomhlíonadh. Áirítear leo seo an tuilleamh ar fad agus an t-ioncam eile ar fad a nochtadh. An féidir achomharc a dhéanamh in aghaidh cinnidh? Scéim neamhreachtúil is ea an Liúntas um Fhilleadh ar Oideachas agus, dá bhrí sin, mura n-aontaíonn tú le cinneadh ar d’iarratas, níl an ceart agat chun achomharc a dhéanamh chuig Oifig na nAchomharc Leasa Shóisialaigh. Is féidir leat, áfach, athbhreithniú ar do chás laistigh de 21 lá a lorg (i scríbhinn) ó oifigeach eile sa Lárionad Intreo áitiúil, san Lárionad Intreo áitiúil, Oifig Leasa Shóisialaigh áitiúil nó sa Rannóg a bhaineann le hábhar, agus aon fhianaise nua chun tacú le d’iarraidh ar athbhreithniú a chur faoi iamh leis.