Funding for Individuals
Special Initiative for Disadvantaged Adults Scheme (SPIDAS)
If you are a recipient of a Social Welfare payment, or you are on a low income, and you wish do a part-time education course you can apply for grant aid under the SPIDAS Scheme. You will be expected to show evidence of your Social Welfare payments or your income. N. B Co. Westmeath VEC will not be offering any further SPIDAS Grant Aid in 2011. The next round of SPIDAS Grants will be advertised in Spring 2012
Contact:
Rina McKenna,Adult Education Organiser
Tel: 090-6474080
Fax:090-6497000
E-Mail: aeo@westmeathvec.ie
Back to Education Allowance
If you wish to continue your education on a full-time basis you may qualify for the Back to Education Allowance. To qualify for the Allowance the following conditions apply:
- You must be at least 21 years of age (age 24 for a third level postgraduate course).
- Be in receipt of one of the following Social Welfare payments for at least six months;
- Unemployment Assistance or Unemployment Benefit
- One-Parent family Payment
- Blind Person's Pension
- Disability Allowance Periods spent on FÁS training courses, Community Employment Schemes or VTOS can count towards the mandatory six months qualifying period. However you must be in receipt of one of the above payments immediately prior to starting the course. For third level maintenance grants please contact Westmeath VEC or Westmeath County Council.
Social Welfare Grants
Grants for individuals in receipt of a Social Welfare payment may be available through the local Social Welfare office.
Grants for Community Groups
Grants are available for tuition and other associated costs
Contact:
Nuala O'Brien, Community Education FacilitatorTel: 0906 497004 or 086 1700936
