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Student Grant Scheme Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 December 2018

Tuesday, 18 December 2018

Ceisteanna (224)

Mick Barry

Ceist:

224. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Education and Skills the supports in place for applicants for the special rate of postgraduate grant awarded via SUSI who are long-term unemployed but had a short period of temporary employment in the year of assessment; the options available to a student who is only informed he or she has not qualified for a special rate grant after the course has begun and first term fees have been paid via a standard SUSI grant and who is unable financially to complete the course of study due to having been rejected for the special rate grant; if a student will be considered eligible to apply for a special rate postgraduate grant in the following year if, having begun the course, he or she opts to defer study and reapply in the following academic year; the way in which a potential applicant who is long-term unemployed, with the exception of a short period of temporary casual employment, can be supported to access the special rate of postgraduate grant; and if the Minister will make a statement on the matter. [53084/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter for SUSI to determine. In assessing an application for the 2018/19 academic year, SUSI will have regard to the following qualifying criteria for the special rate of maintenance grant:

1. The student must qualify for the standard rate of grant;

2. Total reckonable income, after income disregards and Child Dependant Increase(s) are excluded, must not exceed €23,500;

3. As at 31st of December 2017, the reckonable income must include one of the eligible long-term social welfare payments prescribed in the Student Grant Scheme.

Additional funding was secured in Budget 2017 to facilitate the reinstatement of full maintenance grants from September 2017, for the most disadvantaged postgraduate students. In addition postgraduate students who meet the qualifying conditions for the special rate of grant under the Student Grant Scheme are eligible to have their post graduate tuition fees paid up to the maximum fee limit of €6,270.

Alternatively, a postgraduate student may qualify to have a €2,000 contribution made towards the cost of their fees. The income threshold for this payment is €31,500 for the 2018/19 academic year, increasing relative to the number of family dependents.

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.

Tax relief also is available on postgraduate tuition fees. Details in relation to this relief are available from the Revenue Commissioners.

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