Back to education and One family Payment

Ive just started back to college under the BETA and i am a mature student and Im pregnant.

This is my first child, but i really want to continue with my degree after the birth.

Ive read the information and im confused, i know ill be entittled to the BETA, but what way does the OFP work? Also childcare? I own my home (well the bank does) but im not entittled to morgage relief as im in full time education will that change?

sorry im not used to the system and i find asking the questions in there more confusing as ive gotten many answers for the same question

Any use?

i know ill be entittled to the BETA

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http://www.citizensinformation.ie/e...to_education/back_to_education_allowance.html

If you are getting a One Parent Family Payment or a disability payment (Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension or Illness Benefit) you can choose to stay on your current social welfare payment and apply for a student grant or you can choose to transfer to the BTEA. Read more in our document on social welfare payments and student grants.

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lijaby said:

but what way does the OFP work?

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http://www.citizensinformation.ie/e...s_and_children/one_parent_family_payment.html

Also childcare?

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Not relevant until the child is older:

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/e...arly_childhood_care_and_education_scheme.html

Otherwise it's up to the individual to sort childcare out. A community creche may be able to help with cheaper/subsidised care.

I own my home (well the bank does) but im not entittled to morgage relief as im in full time education will that change?

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I don't understand this and am not aware of any such qualifying condition for mortgage interest relief:

http://www.revenue.ie/en/tax/it/leaflets/tax-relief-source-mortgage-interest-relief.html

sorry im not used to the system and i find asking the questions in there more confusing as ive gotten many answers for the same question

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No worries - the systems in question (tax, SW etc.) can be complicated! Check out the links above - in particular the CitizensInformation website - and see if you can make sense of what you might be entitled to. Also search for similar or related threads here on Askaboutmoney. Post back with more questions if necessary.

Good luck.

ClubMan said:

I don't understand this and am not aware of any such qualifying condition for mortgage interest relief:

http://www.revenue.ie/en/tax/it/leaflets/tax-relief-source-mortgage-interest-relief.html

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Sorry - I guess that you were referring to Mortgage Interest Supplement

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/e...are_schemes/mortgage_interest_supplement.html

while I was referring to owner occupier mortgage interest tax relief which I presume that you are claiming?

some of the universities/colleges operate subsidized creches. That might influence your choice of where to study however it's still not cheap.

In terms of childcare assuming you can't depend on friends/family for it on a regular basis it might be worth considering if having a trustworthy live in au pair might be more cost effective especially if it involves a small/nominal monetary remuneration with the bulk of the payment in kind in the form of bed and board? Obviously additional food/heating etc. costs must be factored in. Anyway - just an idea but I'm sure you've thought of it ...