Q.  I am getting a One-Parent Family Payment and I would like to go back to college. What are my options?

16.08.10

Your options depend on your circumstances. You can go back to education and transfer onto the Back to Education Allowance or you can keep your One-Parent Family payment.

If you go onto the Back to Education Allowance, you are no longer eligible for a maintenance grant (for new applicants starting college in September 2010). However you can keep your Rent Supplement and other benefits. You can apply under the relevant maintenance grant scheme to have the student services (registration) charge and any tuition fees payable for the course paid for you. If you qualify for the Back to Education Allowance you are also entitled to an annual allowance of €500.

If you stay on your One-Parent Family Payment and are studying full-time on an approved course you are eligible for a means-tested maintenance grant at the special rate for social welfare recipients.

If you study part time you may be able to retain your Rent Supplement. However if you go back to full-time education and remain on your One-Parent Family Payment you will no longer be eligible for Rent Supplement. If you are on the Rental Accommodation Scheme or living in local authority housing you continue to pay your differential rent. This may be affected by the maintenance grant depending on your other sources of income.
Visit www.studentfinance.ie to find out more about financial supports while studying.

Citizens Information: Buncrana 074 9363496; Carndonagh 074 9373741

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