Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 September 2021
855. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to the financial impact and stress that the later payment dates of SUSI for 2021 will have on students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42913/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe SUSI payment schedule is updated each year in line with college start dates, as to receive payment, a student must be registered with their college and the college must confirm their registration with SUSI.
SUSI consulted with colleges and found that for academic year 2021-22, many colleges will open from mid to end September. Following careful consideration, the first scheduled maintenance grant payment for higher education students is 8th October to allow students to register with their college and for colleges to then confirm their registration with SUSI.
To ensure students receive their first payment as soon as possible, SUSI will be making weekly payments from 8th October.
The maintenance grant is paid in nine instalments and in line with previous years, there are four scheduled payments before the end of December. In academic year 2020/21 the first payment was made on 9th October 2020.
