The BTEA is an educational opportunities scheme for jobseekers, lone parents and people with a disability who are getting payments from the Department of Social and Family Affairs.

The BTEA is an educational opportunities scheme for jobseekers, lone parents and people with a disability who are getting payments from the Department of Social and Family Affairs.

This allowance is payable to people who wish to pursue approved second or third level education courses.

First contact School or College to obtain a place on your chosen course.

When accepted contact your local social welfare office for the application form (BTE1).

Who Qualifies?

A) You must be:

• at least aged 21 (or over 24 for an approved Postgraduate in Education only)
• in receipt social welfare payments including Jobseeker’s Allowance, Jobseeker’s Benefit or One Parent Family
• for at least 12 months (9 months if you are assessed and approved by FÁS) prior to taking up a full time third level course
  
  Or

B) You must be age 18 or over, and in receipt of one of the following social welfare payments for at least 15 months prior to taking up a full-time third level course:

• Blind Person’s Pension
• Disability Allowance
• Invalidity Pension
• Incapacity Supplement

Or

C) Aged between 18 and 20, out of the formal education system for at least 2 years and in receipt of one of the following social welfare payments for the required period of time prior to taking up a full-time third level course

• Jobseeker’s Assistance or Jobseeker’s Benefit
• One Parent Family Payment or
• Disability Benefit (for 3 years or more )

BTEA is not payable for the summer period between academic years to participants who prior to scheme were claiming Jobseeker’s Payments. However participants may be entitled to Jobseeker’s Payment.

BTEA will also not be awarded to people who already hold Postgraduate qualification.