Jen Cummins
Question:148. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason people receiving the back-to-education allowance cannot earn any other income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28875/26]
View answerWednesday, 22 April 2026
Questions (148)
Written answers
The Back to Education Allowance provides income support for jobseekers and others in receipt of certain social welfare payments who pursue full-time courses of education at further or higher level. The focus of the scheme is to assist people enhance their qualifications, thereby improving their chances of securing sustainable employment. The Government has provided over €33.2 million for the scheme in 2026.
Back to Education Allowance claimants are permitted to engage in part-time work during their course but will have their means assessed in accordance with their underlying primary payment.
With respect to claimants claiming Jobseeker's Allowance, Jobseeker's Benefit or Jobseeker's Benefit (Self-Employed), the condition of entitlement that a person must be unemployed for 4 days in any consecutive 7 days does not apply for the period of Back to Education Allowance entitlement. If Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit customers wish to undertake casual or part-time work while in receipt of Back to Education Allowance, they will be facilitated to transfer their underlying payment to Jobseeker's Benefit.
The use of means tests in the social welfare system is a method of targeting scarce resources to those with an identified financial need. Removal of the means test from the underlying payments, would have significant policy and budgetary implications and reduce the scope for my Department to provide income supports to lower income households.
Individuals wishing to undertake employment whilst in receipt of Back to Education should engage with their local Intreo office to assess their options.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.