Part-Time Education Option

Introduction

The Part-Time Education Option (PTEO) allows you to keep your Jobseeker’s Allowance or Jobseeker’s Benefit and attend a part-time day or evening course of education or training. 

You must continue to meet the conditions for Jobseeker’s Benefit or Jobseeker’s Allowance. If you are offered work while on the course you will be expected to accept the job offer.

Appeals

The PTEO is an administrative scheme. However, you can appeal a decision to refuse you the Part-Time Education Option, if refusal is based on your continued availability for employment.

Rules

The Part-Time Education Option is not the same as the Back to Education Allowance or the Education, Training and Development Option.

There are no specific eligibility criteria for the PTEO. You can be any age and may be unemployed for any length of time before starting a part-time course of education.

Keeping your jobseeker’s payment

If you are getting Jobseeker’s Allowance or Jobseeker’s Benefit you may take up the Part-Time Education Option and continue to get your jobseeker’s payment. Your Social Welfare Local Office must be satisfied that the course is likely to improve your chances of getting a job.

You must continue to satisfy the conditions of being available for and genuinely seeking work. If you are offered work while on the course you will be expected to accept the job offer.

Courses covered

You can take part in a part-time day course, evening course or early morning course, distance education or a part-time course under the Back to Education Initiative (BTEI. In some cases, part-time courses which run during the normal working day will be accepted, for example, courses under the BTEI.

There is a wide range of subjects available under the BTEI. For example: 

• Basic adult education 
• Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate subjects such as English and maths
• Other types of courses include: personal development, catering, tourism, communication, sport and leisure.

Finding a course

To find out about available courses and get advice on how to get a place on the course of your choice, you should contact your local VEC, school or college, public library or Citizens Information Centre (CIC).

Rates

You will continue to get your Jobseeker’s Allowance or Jobseeker’s Benefit at your usual rate and any other secondary benefits.

How to apply

All applications for the PTEO should be made on form BTE1 (pdf). You will be asked to provide information about your course, for example, the course time-table.

Where to apply