Publication
Get financial supports for training or education
From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
Intreo (the Irish Public Employment Services) has a number of ways to support you to upskill or return to education. This should enhance your job prospects and help you to re-enter the workplace.
It may be possible to keep some income supports while you are on an education or training course. This depends on the type of course, the length of course and how long you have been getting a qualifying social welfare payment.
The Back to Education Programme covers the following study options:
If you are getting certain social welfare payments, you may be eligible to take part in second or third level full-time education and receive a weekly Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) payment.
The Part-Time Education Option (PTEO) allows you to keep your Jobseeker’s Allowance or Benefit while you attend a part-time day, evening, distance or online education or training course.
Part-time courses provided such as those from Education and Training Boards (ETBs), Springboard+, Skillnet's Skills Connect course and others are available through this option.
The Education, Training and Development Option (ET&D) allows you to keep your jobseekers payment while taking part in a shorter duration course. These include personal development courses, basic education, such as literacy classes, general training courses and training for specific job skills.
The Community Employment Programme (CE) combines work in the community with personalised training and development. You can receive an individual learning plan where specific training is identified for you. There are a range of recognised QQI Awards available through this programme.
If you have a skills gap that could prevent you from applying for a job, the Training Support Grant (TSG) funds quick access to short-term training if you are on a jobseekers payment.
A grant of up to €1,000 is available towards the cost of your course where similar courses are not currently available free of charge from other programmes and agencies such as SOLAS or the Education and Training Boards (ETBs).
You can find out more information by contacting your local Intreo Centre.