Education, Training and Development Option
Introduction
Under the Education, Training and Development Option you may continue to get your Jobseeker’s Allowance or Jobseeker’s Benefit while attending certain courses of education, training or development. Your Social Welfare Local Office may make special signing-on arrangements so that you can attend your course.
Appeals
The Education, Training and Development Option is an administrative scheme. This means you cannot appeal a decision to refuse you this option to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
Rules
To qualify for the Education, Training and Development Option and keep your Jobseeker’s Allowance or Jobseekers Benefit you must be:
- At least 21 years of age or
- Between 18 and 20 and out of the formal education system for at least 2 years
And
- Be getting Jobseekers Allowance, Jobseekers Benefit or signing on for unemployment credits for at least 6 months (156 days).
Courses covered
Education, Training and Development Option courses are courses that are not covered under the Back to Education Allowance scheme. You must show that your course will improve your chances of getting a job. Courses you may take part in include:
- Personal development courses
- General training courses
- Specific job skills
- Basic education courses for example, literacy and numeracy classes.
The course must be approved by a facilitator. You can arrange an appointment with a facilitator by contacting your Social Welfare Local Office - see 'Where to apply' below.
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.
Rates
You will continue to get your weekly Jobseeker’s Allowance or Jobseeker’s Benefit at your usual rate and any other secondary benefits.
Secondary benefits may include:
- Fuel Allowance
- Rent Supplement and Mortgage Interest Supplement. However, out of pocket expenses, may affect the amount of Rent Supplement or Mortgage Interest Supplement you are getting.
Out-of-pocket expenses
If you are getting a social welfare payment you may get out-of-pocket expenses of up to €32 per week. This is a payment towards the extra costs you may have as a result of your course, for example, meals and travel. The provision of out-of-pocket expenses is administrative. This means a decision to refuse you out-of-pocket expenses cannot be appealed to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
This additional payment is not taken into account as means in the assessment of Jobseeker’s Allowance, but it may affect the amount of Rent Supplement or Mortgage Interest Supplement you are getting.
Signing for unemployment credits
If you have been signing on for unemployment credits, you will continue to get credits for as long as you are participating in the Education, Training and Development Option.
How to apply
All applications for the Back to Education - Education, Training and Development Option should be made on form BTE1(pdf). You will be asked to provide information about your course, for example:
- The course timetable
- Written confirmation from the relevant organisation or school that you have registered for the course
- You may be asked for confirmation of on-going course attendance
- You are also required to notify the Department when you finish the course.
Where to apply
Apply for the Education, Training and Development Option at your Social Welfare Local Office.
Language
Related Documents
- Back to Education Allowance
The Back to Education Allowance Scheme helps people who are unemployed, are getting a One-Parent Family Payment or have a disability, to pursue approved second-or third-level education courses. - Part-Time Education Option
You can keep your jobseeker's payment and take part in a part-time course to improve your chances of getting a job. Find out more. - Back to Education Programme
This Programme can support you to take part in educational and personal development courses to help you to access employment.
Contact Us
If you have a question relating to this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0761 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm) or you can visit your local Citizens Information Centre.