Change the qualifying rules for Lone Parents applying for the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA). Family Income Supplement (FIS) is not a qualifying payment for the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA).
Why is this important?
I and other lone parents like me want the opportunity to go to college and break the cycle of poverty for myself and my daughter. But without being able to access the Back to Education Allowance this is not possible. I have been offered a place in Trinity College but can't take the offer because I work part time and rely on FIS. The rules were changed last year and are forcing lone parents to remain in poverty.