Courses: Am I eligible?

Q. Am I eligible?

Yes, if you are:

  • aged 21 or over

and in receipt of one of the following payments for at least six months:

  • unemployment assistance.
  • unemployment benefit.
  • signing for credits.
  • lone parent allowance.
  • disability allowance.
  • Disability benefit**.
  • invalidity pension.
  • a dependent spouse of a person in one of the above categories.

**Disability benefit: Attendance on the course subject to certain conditions.
Contact our office for details.


Q. What will it cost ?

If you are currently receiving unemployment assistance or benefit, you will instead get a training allowance at a rate equivalent to the maximum rate of unemployment benefit.

If you are receiving a one-parent family payment or eligible disability payment, you will continue to receive your present payment from the Department of Social, Community & Family Affairs.

  • courses are free.
  • all course materials and books are supplied.
  • you will receive a small travel allowance if you live more than three miles from the centre.
  • a training allowance of €31.80 per week is payable if you are in receipt of an eligible social welfare payment for at least one year prior to you joining VTOS.
  • a crèche will take care of your childcare needs.

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