Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 October 2022
502. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of an appeal for a higher education grant in the case of a person (details supplied) who provided further information in respect of their mother's employment regarding the reduction of their hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48125/22]
View answerThe main support available to students is the statutory based Student Grant Scheme where students are studying for the first time or are progressing to study at a higher level. The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the centralised student grant awarding authority SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) to determine.
With regard to the specific application, I have been advised by my officials that the student in question submitted an application to SUSI on 8th July 2022. The application proceeded through the assessment process and the reckonable income was found to be over the threshold for grant assistance. A change of circumstance was declared by the student. Further documentation was requested from the applicant on 15th and 30th August 2022. SUSI reviewed the application based on the projected 2022 income however the outcome had no impact on SUSI’S earlier decision.
As of 28th September 2022 no Notice of Appeal has been received from the student by SUSI.
Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down in writing by SUSI and remains of the view that the scheme has not been interpreted correctly in his/her case, an appeal may be submitted to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board within the required timeframe. Such appeals can be made by the appellant on line via www.studentgrantappeals.ie
However, article 32 of the Student Grant Scheme 2022 provides for a review of eligibility for the award of a grant in the event of a change of circumstances in the academic year. Where a student experiences a change of circumstances during the course of their studies, he/she may apply to SUSI to have his/her application re-assessed at helpdesk@SUSI.ie quoting Internal Review in the Subject line.
This Department also provides funding for the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). The fund is available in various publicly funded higher education institutions. The SAF provides financial assistance to students experiencing financial difficulties while attending third level. Students can be assisted towards their rent, childcare costs, transport costs and books/class materials.
The SAF is open to both full and part-time registered students on courses of not less than one year's duration leading to an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification. Further details of the fund is available from the Access Office in the higher education institution attended. Further information on the SAF is available at www.studentfinance.ie.
