Student Grant Scheme Eligibility

Thursday, 4 December 2014

Questions (178)

Frank Feighan

Question:

178. Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Skills in view of the fact that the Student Universal Support Ireland grant threshold for fewer than four children is €39,875 and that the higher education access route scheme thresholds for fewer than four children is €48,811, the reason there is a difference of €8,936 in income level. [46708/14]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The income threshold of €48,811 referred to by the Deputy was the Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) income threshold for students applying for entry in 2014.

For 2015 the income thresholds for HEAR applicants have changed to match the higher threshold of the current Student Grant Scheme, for the award of 25% part maintenance.

The income limits for HEAR and the Student Grant Scheme are shown on the table. The income threshold for HEAR for students applying for entry 2015.

Number of dependent children in your family	HEAR Income Limit
Less than 4	45,790
4-7	50,325
More than 8	54,630

Add €4,670 to the total income for every sibling/parent enrolled in a full time college, university or post leaving certificate further education course.

Income limits for maintenance grants under the Student Grant Scheme 2014.

-	To qualify for:	To qualify for:	To qualify for:	To qualify for:	To qualify for:
No. dependent children	Special Rate*	Standard rate Full maintenance 100%	Standard rate Part maintenance 75%	Standard rate Part maintenance 50%	Standard rate Part maintenance 25%
Less than 4	22,703	39,875	40,970	43,380	45,790
4 to 7	22,703	43,810	45,025	47,670	50,325
8 or more	22,703	47,575	48,890	51,760	54,630

Additional increments that may be applied to the income limits in Table B for Maintenance Grants**

Additional Increments
+ increment for each additional relevant person	0	4,830	4,670	4,670	4,670

*To be eligible for the special rate of maintenance the reckonable income on 31 December 2013 must include an eligible payment listed in Schedule 2.

**Increments which may be added to the relevant income limits.

Any maintenance grant awarded under the income limits in this table will also include an award for the full student contribution grant, where the student contribution is chargeable.