Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 December 2022
144. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if special consideration will be given to SUSI grant applications in cases in which one of the parents or guardians of the applicant is being treated for or is recovering from a serious illness (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59695/22]
View answerI very much recognise the heavy demands on families from outgoings of all kinds and the many unavoidable costs of living, including medical costs.
What is very important in any scheme which involves means assessment is that it is as fair as possible to all applicants.
The assessment of means under the Student Grant Scheme is based on gross income from all sources before the deduction of income tax or the universal social charge.
The assessment of income from the same starting point is deemed to be fair and reasonable because this approach eliminates any distortion which might arise from different outgoings in different households.
My aim is to continue to make changes which help families in the fairest way possible. A range of measures were announced in Budget 2023 to enhance the scheme, including a package of cost-of-living measures that have come into effect already this year.
The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for SUSI to determine. 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
Apart from the Student Grant Scheme, students can apply for supports under the Student Assistance Fund. The fund assists students in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the higher education institution attended. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis.
