Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 September 2023
144. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science what SUSI financial supports are available for single parents (details supplied) that have a personal insolvency arrangement, who are just over the income threshold but cannot afford college fees for their child, and are restricted from applying for loans from banks and credit unions when under a PIA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41734/23]
View answerUnder the Student Grants Scheme student grant applications are means tested on gross income from all sources earned inside and outside the State within a specified reference period. The student referred to by the Deputy was awarded €500 student contribution lump sum.
The student appealed to the Appeals Officer in SUSI and was issued with a determination on the 19th May 2023 that stated no change to original award. The student then requested a review of his application under a change in circumstances and SUSI determined no change to the original award. This was communicated to the student on the 20th September 2023 with the option to further appeal to the SUSI appeals officer within 30 days of this letter.
Apart from the Student Grant Scheme, students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. This 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 third level institution attended.
