Mature Student Grant 2011/12

kukazhina · 19-09-2011 4:55pm

When they start paying that grant?

Babyblessed · 19-09-2011 5:42pm

kukazhina wrote: »

When they start paying that grant?

If you have already been told you have definitely got it you should see your 1st payment in the next 4 weeks. Some are paid direct to your bank other authorities require you to pick it up form Uni admin (assuming you are at a uni that is!)

kukazhina · 19-09-2011 5:56pm

Babyblessed wrote: »

If you have already been told you have definitely got it you should see your 1st payment in the next 4 weeks. Some are paid direct to your bank other authorities require you to pick it up form Uni admin (assuming you are at a uni that is!)

Yes, I already give college bank details and letter from vec! Hope it will be soon

ripo · 21-09-2011 9:38pm

I have contacted a local FG high ranking Minister about this issue, for obvious reasons I have removed their name and and some content due to privacy reasons. But it will give you an idea of the response from the minister. please see emails below. I feel this is important for transparency.

Dear [ministers name removed],

I am a resident in your constituency. I am greatly concerned about the
significant changed to student grants. I am in my last year of college,
and unfortunately I will have to drop out without completing my final
year. This is largely due to the cuts in the student grant.
Unfortunately I have applied for many part-time jobs, although most
employers are receiving a lot of applicants for the positions
advertised, and end up selecting a person more flexible towards working
hours. this leads to less jobs for students as jobs are already limited.

I have lots of experience working in the hospitality area , the lower
scale of employment and still can not find a part time job to fund my
progression in college. I am a mature student (27) and have no support
from my parents.

Can you please suggest to your party leader to revert the FF budget
change on student grants. If this grant cut goes ahead many talented
people will discontinue college by dropping out and signing on the live
register, at-least until they find employment, which will take some time
as they are unqualified and the job market is limited. This budget
change, in-effect, reduces the student grant by over 80 percent,
literately, overnight. The travel distance that was more than doubled
should be reverted back to its original level.

I understand that we need to make savings in line with our fiscal, IMF,
EU obligations, however by suddenly cutting grants to students will only
in-effect, divert a large amount of people to apply for social welfare
payments, costing the state approx 10,000 a year excluding other
benefits. This cost is much higher than providing grants for college,
and furthermore the student becomes qualified and able to re enter the
job market (for life). It makes much more sense.

I am really hoping this policy is changed otherwise I will have to leave
college as i will be unable to afford to continue. If you take
sometime to visit some student blogs, websites, unions there is a lot of
students in my position who will have to drop out of college. This
policy only leads to brain-drain out most talented, who we need to help
us get out of this crisis in the long-term. These grant changes are
significant, and are reduced by over 80 percent. This is social in
justice to the students who started college not knowing the extend of
reductions expected. I expected 5/10 percent, but not 80. I will be
happy to make an appointment with your office to talk with you on this
issue. there are many other students who share this concern. Please
consider my plea to raise this topic.

Yours sincerely
[ripo]

.........................break...................................

On 16/09/2011 10:58, [Minster wrote:

> [ripo],
>
> Thank you for contacting me about an issue of particular concern to you.
>
> I understand the argument you make and let me assure you that I will contact the Minister for Education, whose remit this issue comes under.
>
> Just to say to you as well that allowances are made for those hardship cases where a top-up is provided in a special rate of grant for students on particularly low incomes. I don't know if you have actually applied for such a top-up?
>
> In the mean time, I raise this issue with Minister Ruairi Quinn and revert back to you with an update at the earliest possible opportunity.
>
> Should there be any other local or national matter where I can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact with either myself or Councillor [ministers name removed] and we'll do whatever we can to help.
>
> Kind Regards,
>
> [ministers name removed]

.........................................break...................................

Dear [ministers name removed],

Thank you for your swift reply and forwarding the concern. I was originally on the special rate, although the new introduced changes affects this rate. In order to receive a grant (top-up) otherwise known as special rate a student must live 45 kilometers from the college/university in which they are studying. These are the new conditions that will be applied under the new act. A special rate grant is only applicable in cases where a student is progressing to a higher level, and 45 kilometers distance from the institution. Moreover, only a selected few of universities promote this extra rate. With this in mind, only a small selected amount of disadvantaged students have access to this grant on the basis of their geographical location.

In order for a student to obtain this grant, he/she would have to move 45 kilometers away from their institution of study. Although the national infrastructure has improved, services remain expensive while the frequencies, effectiveness of transport systems fail to meet the full needs of the population. Moreover Transport 21 is still underway and has not been completed in full. This was demonstrated were a student living outside Galway, studying in NUI Galway had her grant changed, and reduced by over 60 percent, yet the transport system was not effective, if she used the transport system, she would have arrived to college at 11am every day missing a variety of important lectures in the morning. This is one of the students who have raised their concern to the national students union of Ireland, and her case is one of the main cases that will be applied at the high court case in October (Students Union of Ireland V Rep of Ireland) The previous government when extending the travel distance from 24 kilometers to 45 kilometers justified there decision, due to the upgrading of the national infrastructure in regards to roads, and transport.

Although this was a decision implemented by the previous government, I strongly feel we must review this policy, in order to allow our most disadvantaged people to have equal access to education. We have a constitutional obligation, never-minding our obligations under European and International Human rights law. I strongly am in favour of budget cuts in every sector to meet EU/IMF targets. Although we need to effectively manage these in order to progress our economy. Graduates contribute to 70 percent more tax than non-graduates. I know you understand my argument, but I rather see an increase of tax revenue than a hike of people on the live register.

I would ask the government to continue to cut the student grants, not increase the travel distance as this only reduces the grant by 60 percent. According the students Union of Ireland, although not an independent result, has stressed that 25,000 students will have to leave college this year because of the grant cuts. I know this is a debated topic, although it would be better to abolish free fees for people earning a high income, when I mean High income, I’m talking about 250,000 per year. This extra credit can help meet our targets under the IMF/EU and allow disadvantaged students to enter college. It’s a bit like the Robin Hood idea. The US president has also recently arranged new increased tax measures for the more privileged. My idea is to means test education free fees. I believe this is the right thing to do, as the ‘free fees system’ allows people to have free education, but does not consider how they will pay for it. Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Best,
[ripo]

....................break.............................................

[ripo],

Thanks again for contacting me about this issue.

I have taken on board the points you have made and I've contacted the Minister for Education about the current situation and asked him to examine the issues which you have raised.

As soon as I have an update for you, I'll be in further contact with you.

Best Wishes,

[ministers name]

ripo · 21-09-2011 9:49pm

The High Court has granted the Union of Students in Ireland (USI), the national union for Higher & Further Education students, leave to challenge a reform of student grants, which will see some students face cuts of over 60 per cent in their grants this year.

http://campus.ie/news/college-news/students-launch-high-court-challenge-against-%E2%80%98savage%E2%80%99-cuts-to-grants
http://www.usi.ie/student-news/1667-students-launch-high-court-challenge-against-savage-cuts-to-grants.html

This article identifies that we need to contact our students union to place pressure on them to act.

I wrote two emails to the Current DCU Students Union president, who never even bothered to reply to my email. I can not mention his name on here, but one click on google and it shall be found. What I can do is provide a copy of the emails in which i sent.

..............break................

Hi [2011/2012 DCU Presidents name removed],

I'm just wondering if the Student Union is planning anything on the recent grant cuts from the government that come into effect this academic term. The USI have taken the government to the high court, although I'm just curious what we are doing at DCU. There appears to be no information on our website, and this concerns the majority of DCU students.

I have sent you an email lat week, and have still not heard from you. The Students Union of Ireland are really involved in this, and maybe we should be too, 25,000 students will have to drop out of college this year alone because of these cuts.

Regards
[ripo]

................break................................

Hi [name removed],

Im just wondering if the Student Union is planning anything on the recent grant cuts from the government that come into effect this academic term. The USI have taken the government to the high court, although what is DCU Student union doing about this, there appears to be no information on our website, and this concerns the majority of DCU students.

Regards
[ripo]

ripo · 21-09-2011 10:01pm

Hey everyone, Need your attention.

For the first time ever, On 6 October 2011 the United Nations will be accessing Ireland, and its obligations to enforce human rights.

You can officially submit a complaint against the State of Ireland directly to the Human Rights commission on this website which will be reviewed.

you can mention the grants, and how it effects the equal access of disadvantaged people.

or you could mention the lack of father rights under current Irish family law

you could mention the lack of equal rights for women under the Irish constitution...

whatever floats your boat, get out and be heard!

to have your say, visit http://www.upr.ie/Clients/CEGA/UPRWeb.nsf/page/index-en

Annasopra · 21-09-2011 11:42pm

ripo wrote: »

Hey everyone, Need your attention.

For the first time ever, On 6 October 2011 the United Nations will be accessing Ireland, and its obligations to enforce human rights.

You can officially submit a complaint against the State of Ireland directly to the Human Rights commission on this website which will be reviewed.

you can mention the grants, and how it effects the equal access of disadvantaged people.

or you could mention the lack of father rights under current Irish family law

you could mention the lack of equal rights for women under the Irish constitution...

whatever floats your boat, get out and be heard!

to have your say, visit http://www.upr.ie/Clients/CEGA/UPRWeb.nsf/page/index-en

Em..... submissions had to be in by June

B1977 · 21-09-2011 11:50pm

ripo wrote: »

I have contacted a local FG high ranking Minister

Dear [ministers name removed],

Thank you for your swift reply and forwarding the concern. I was originally on the special rate, although the new introduced changes affects this rate. In order to receive a grant (top-up) otherwise known as special rate a student must live 45 kilometers from the college/university in which they are studying. These are the new conditions that will be applied under the new act. A special rate grant is only applicable in cases where a student is progressing to a higher level, and 45 kilometers distance from the institution. Moreover, only a selected few of universities promote this extra rate. With this in mind, only a small selected amount of disadvantaged students have access to this grant on the basis of their geographical location.

In order for a student to obtain this grant, he/she would have to move 45 kilometers away from their institution of study. Although the national infrastructure has improved, services remain expensive while the frequencies, effectiveness of transport systems fail to meet the full needs of the population. Moreover Transport 21 is still underway and has not been completed in full. This was demonstrated were a student living outside Galway, studying in NUI Galway had her grant changed, and reduced by over 60 percent, yet the transport system was not effective, if she used the transport system, she would have arrived to college at 11am every day missing a variety of important lectures in the morning. This is one of the students who have raised their concern to the national students union of Ireland, and her case is one of the main cases that will be applied at the high court case in October (Students Union of Ireland V Rep of Ireland) The previous government when extending the travel distance from 24 kilometers to 45 kilometers justified there decision, due to the upgrading of the national infrastructure in regards to roads, and transport.

Although this was a decision implemented by the previous government, I strongly feel we must review this policy, in order to allow our most disadvantaged people to have equal access to education. We have a constitutional obligation, never-minding our obligations under European and International Human rights law. I strongly am in favour of budget cuts in every sector to meet EU/IMF targets. Although we need to effectively manage these in order to progress our economy. Graduates contribute to 70 percent more tax than non-graduates. I know you understand my argument, but I rather see an increase of tax revenue than a hike of people on the live register.

I would ask the government to continue to cut the student grants, not increase the travel distance as this only reduces the grant by 60 percent. According the students Union of Ireland, although not an independent result, has stressed that 25,000 students will have to leave college this year because of the grant cuts. I know this is a debated topic, although it would be better to abolish free fees for people earning a high income, when I mean High income, I’m talking about 250,000 per year. This extra credit can help meet our targets under the IMF/EU and allow disadvantaged students to enter college. It’s a bit like the Robin Hood idea. The US president has also recently arranged new increased tax measures for the more privileged. My idea is to means test education free fees. I believe this is the right thing to do, as the ‘free fees system’ allows people to have free education, but does not consider how they will pay for it. Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Best,
[ripo]

....................break.............................................

[
[ministers name]

You can still receive the special rate even if you live less than 45km from the college but you only receive the adjacent special rate.

Rates
Changes in grant rates are considered during the annual Budget process and become effective in January at the beginning of the financial year.

Rates
Changes in grant rates are considered during the annual Budget process and become effective in January at the beginning of the financial year.

Maintenance grant rates for 2011
Type Non-adjacent rate Adjacent rate
Special rate €6,100 €2,445
Full Maintenance €3,120 €1,250
Part maintenance (75%) €2,340 €940
Part maintenance (50%) €1,560 €625
Part maintenance (25%) €780 €315

ripo · 21-09-2011 11:51pm

mango salsa wrote: »

Em..... submissions had to be in by June

Ahh crap, I just spent the last 2 hours writing a report

ripo · 21-09-2011 11:55pm

B1977 wrote: »

You can still receive the special rate even if you live less than 45km from the college but you only receive the adjacent special rate.

Rates
Changes in grant rates are considered during the annual Budget process and become effective in January at the beginning of the financial year.

Rates
Changes in grant rates are considered during the annual Budget process and become effective in January at the beginning of the financial year.

Maintenance grant rates for 2011
Type Non-adjacent rate Adjacent rate
Special rate €6,100 €2,445
Full Maintenance €3,120 €1,250
Part maintenance (75%) €2,340 €940
Part maintenance (50%) €1,560 €625
Part maintenance (25%) €780 €315

If a student was getting lets say €6355 last year, and you apply the 4 % reduction, and again you reduce there grant again because they live within 45k as opposed to 24 (or none for previous Mature students) that in effect reduced there grant by more than 70%

and.... it was all done overnight!

I hope the USI win the in their high court battle... if they do it will cause a lot of problems for grant administration officers around the country who will have to re-look at applications! this will be a major embarrassed ... but who in the VEC cares... they will be getting paid for overtime

astonaidan · 22-09-2011 12:14am

Just wondering what the situation would be if I was a mature student who completed 1st year in college, then failed second year and left the country for 2 years would i be intitled to the grant

ripo · 22-09-2011 12:23am

astonaidan wrote: »

Just wondering what the situation would be if I was a mature student who completed 1st year in college, then failed second year and left the country for 2 years would i be intitled to the grant

thats very interesting. I don't want to give any false hope, but if you were getting a grant in 1st year my idea would be that you should get it for the remainder of the course.

This is because you have been accessed already, although any income earnings may be taken into consideration that may effect you.

ripo · 23-09-2011 11:18pm

as seen on BBC News, if your a student with no grant, OR very little grant, or if you find your grant cut by more than 60% from non adjacent to adjacent i suggst you leave Ireland, and study in Europe, Universities are also better there. But do your self a favour, when you graduate, please don't return to Ireland to pay tax back into the governments hands! as they simply don't deserve it!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-15031461

ripo · 24-09-2011 3:31am

^ Written Answers ^ - Higher Education Grants
Thursday, 15 September 2011
Dáil Éireann Debate
Vol. 740 No. 2
Unrevised

Page of 114
63. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if any provision will be made for students who are already in third level education and who are in receipt of non-adjacent higher education grants which have been reduced in budget 2011 but who may have to drop out of college due to inability to pay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24369/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): I regret that the economic circumstances of the country are such that I am not in a position to reverse any of the changes to the student grant measures announced in Budget 2011 by the previous Fianna Fáil - Green Party Government. These changes included the removal of the automatic entitlement of mature students to the non-adjacent rate of grant and an increase in the qualifying distance criterion for the non-adjacent rate of grant.

From this September, students who reside 45 kilometres or more from their higher education institution will continue to be eligible for the higher, non-adjacent rate of grant. Those on particularly low incomes will also continue to receive a “top-up” in the special rate of grant. In addition, third level students in difficult financial circumstances will have access to the Student Assistance Fund. I understand the concerns of students with regard to the changes to the student grant schemes for the 2011/12 academic year and I will take account of these in considering any future changes as part of the budgetary process for 2012 and beyond, having regard to the position of the public finances.

http://debates.oireachtas.ie/dail/2011/09/15/00058.asp

blankname! · 24-09-2011 12:31pm

ripo wrote: »

thats very interesting. I don't want to give any false hope, but if you were getting a grant in 1st year my idea would be that you should get it for the remainder of the course.

This is because you have been accessed already, although any income earnings may be taken into consideration that may effect you.

Hi,
Just because you have been previously accessed does not automatically mean you will get back into the grant system. I received the grant in my first year of college but then changed my course (level 8) at the end of first year. I was unable to transfer the credits which I had accumulated and had to enter the first year of the new course (also level 8.) I was not eligible for the grant in the first year of the new course because I was deemed to be repeating the year. When I enquired about receiving the grant for the second year in my new course I was informed that I would have to reapply again as a new applicant.

ripo · 25-09-2011 2:18am

stripey sox wrote: »

The changes to grants this year basically mean that if you are a mature student living less than 45km from chosen college you will be entitled to the grand sum of 1200 for the academic year. Mature students were previously entitled to the non-adjacent rate of payment regardless of distance from college, this was abolished in the budget:mad:

I feel very strongly that we should not be railroaded into accepting these cuts. Politicians who earn 100k are only taking a cut of 5k, students are expected to now live on fresh air and leave their children home alone because they cant pay for childcare :mad:

Anyone else with strong feelings on this matter ?

i'm with you too on this one

ripo · 25-09-2011 2:33pm

Mickeroo wrote: »

Yea it makes no sense to me either! I had no income whatsoever in 2010.

I hate to say this, but these politicians are now taking the p%&*s

they want review your grant before the economic problems, so in theory they would not have to pay your grant, as things were good then, rather than look at your case from last year!!!

OMG, what has this country gone too?? these fat cats are earning hundred of thousands each year!!!! WTF???

Mickeroo · 25-09-2011 5:33pm

ripo wrote: »

I hate to say this, but these politicians are now taking the p%&*s

they want review your grant before the economic problems, so in theory they would not have to pay your grant, as things were good then, rather than look at your case from last year!!!

OMG, what has this country gone too?? these fat cats are earning hundred of thousands each year!!!! WTF???

Defies logic really!

drominagh · 06-10-2011 5:00pm

Hi all
I am one of a group of students campaigning to have the mature student grants cuts reversed.
The issue of mature student grant cuts will be discussed tomorrow, 7th October 2011, on Joe Duffy RTE1, tomorrow, Friday, 1.45pm to 3pm. If you or anyone you know is affected by this issue, please contact the programme.
The more voices heard, the better our chances of influencing change.
Contact Joe: 1850 715 815
from Northern Ireland 08457 853 333
E-mail joe@rte.ie
Text 51551 during the programme.

drominagh · 06-10-2011 5:00pm

Hi all
I am one of a group of students campaigning to have the mature student grants cuts reversed.
The issue of mature student grant cuts will be discussed tomorrow, 7th October 2011, on Joe Duffy RTE1, tomorrow, Friday, 1.45pm to 3pm. If you or anyone you know is affected by this issue, please contact the programme.
The more voices heard, the better our chances of influencing change.
Contact Joe: 1850 715 815
from Northern Ireland 08457 853 333
E-mail joe@rte.ie
Text 51551 during the programme.

lesserspottedchloe · 06-10-2011 6:40pm

Just giving an update on my own grant situation as a mature student in 3rd year

..... I recieved a letter yesterday informing me that I have been approved for the full non-adjacent, mature grant rate and top-up even though I live within walking distance of the college...how is this possible? Has anybody else been approved the full rate in these circumstances?

This is a massive relief for me as the hunt for suitable part-time work is still ongoing.

Babyblessed · 06-10-2011 11:00pm

drominagh wrote: »

Hi all
I am one of a group of students campaigning to have the mature student grants cuts reversed.
The issue of mature student grant cuts will be discussed tomorrow, 7th October 2011, on Joe Duffy RTE1, tomorrow, Friday, 1.45pm to 3pm. If you or anyone you know is affected by this issue, please contact the programme.
The more voices heard, the better our chances of influencing change.
Contact Joe: 1850 715 815
from Northern Ireland 08457 853 333
E-mail joe@rte.ie
Text 51551 during the programme.

Have sent and email!

Babyblessed · 06-10-2011 11:04pm

laylah wrote: »

Just giving an update on my own grant situation as a mature student in 3rd year ..... I recieved a letter yesterday informing me that I have been approved for the full non-adjacent, mature grant rate and top-up even though I live within walking distance of the college...how is this possible? Has anybody else been approved the full rate in these circumstances?

This is a massive relief for me as the hunt for suitable part-time work is still ongoing.

I got an email for my grant today and it was the adjacent rate €416 this semester...........it was €1200 this time last year.

The full non-adjacent mature student rate is about €1200 per annum the top up (based on your income) means your yearly (total) payment will be around €2455........

lesserspottedchloe · 07-10-2011 2:15pm

Babyblessed wrote: »

I got an email for my grant today and it was the adjacent rate €416 this semester...........it was €1200 this time last year.

The full non-adjacent mature student rate is about €1200 per annum the top up (based on your income) means your yearly (total) payment will be around €2455........

No its not. The full non adjacent with top up was approx 6400 last year and its dropped to 6100 this year-three payments of Euro 2033

Thats what is written on my form and what im approved for...

Babyblessed · 07-10-2011 3:55pm

Babyblessed wrote: »

The full non-adjacent mature student rate is about €1200 per annum the top up (based on your income) means your yearly (total) payment will be around €2455........

laylah wrote: »

No its not. The full non adjacent with top up was approx 6400 last year and its dropped to 6100 this year-three payments of Euro 2033

Thats what is written on my form and what im approved for...

Apologies, I should have said adjacent rate which would apply if you live less than 45km from the place of study.

laylah wrote: »

Just giving an update on my own grant situation as a mature student in 3rd year ..... I recieved a letter yesterday informing me that I have been approved for the full non-adjacent, mature grant rate and top-up even though I live within walking distance of the college...how is this possible? Has anybody else been approved the full rate in these circumstances?

This is a massive relief for me as the hunt for suitable part-time work is still ongoing.

I dont get how you got the non-adjacent rate if you live so close. Are you applying from your home address?

[Jackass] · 09-10-2011 8:57am

I got approved for "A1" adjacent rate grant, but my letter doesn't tell me what that means / how much it is. Does anybody know this information? The main thing is it'll cover my registration fees of about 2k. As for what I will live on, um, just about keeping alive / eating thanks to many many call overs to my parents to see how they are.....usually around dinner time. FML.

Grant amount is pathetic compared to what it used to be. A strong case can be argued for reversal of cuts in particular for mature students, most of whom are people who have been unemployed, can't find work, and are trying to contribute by re-training and improving the work force available in the country. The Government really should support us.

Annasopra · 09-10-2011 9:14am

A1 is the adjacent top rate so they pay your student contribution of 2000 and give you maintenance of approximately 1200

Babyblessed · 09-10-2011 6:44pm

[Jackass] wrote: »

I got approved for "A1" adjacent rate grant, but my letter doesn't tell me what that means / how much it is. Does anybody know this information? The main thing is it'll cover my registration fees of about 2k. As for what I will live on, um, just about keeping alive / eating thanks to many many call overs to my parents to see how they are.....usually around dinner time. FML.

Grant amount is pathetic compared to what it used to be. A strong case can be argued for reversal of cuts in particular for mature students, most of whom are people who have been unemployed, can't find work, and are trying to contribute by re-training and improving the work force available in the country. The Government really should support us.

A1 adjacent rate is €1250.........its the non-adjacent that is €3000

irish_stevo815 · 09-10-2011 8:30pm

Got approved for my fees to be paid by the grant. But a couple of days before the fees office in UL rang and said I don't qualify for free fees because I already have a level 7 diploma.

Anyone have any idea where I stand on this?

drominagh · 10-10-2011 1:15am

Can anyone who has been affected by the cuts in grants please tell their story on the facebook page Education NOT Poverty
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Education-NOT-Poverty/181440521932326 .
This will help us assess the effect of the cuts on everyone. More important, would you please try and contact anyone who has had to drop out because of the cuts in the grants (I know at least three people) and ask them to post that fact on Education NOT Poverty.
Thank you everyone.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Education-NOT-Poverty/181440521932326

drominagh · 10-10-2011 1:16am

Can anyone who has been affected by the cuts in grants please tell their story on the facebook page Education NOT Poverty https://www.facebook.com/pages/Education-NOT-Poverty/181440521932326 . This will help us assess the effect of the cuts on everyone. More important, would you please try and contact anyone who has had to drop out because of the cuts in the grants (I know at least three people) and ask them to post that fact on Education NOT Poverty. Thank you everyone.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Education-NOT-Poverty/181440521932326

jessie86 · 22-10-2011 1:36pm

hey guys!

been reading all your comments about the grant cut.
i'm a single parent of one on Loan Parents Allowance and living about 20km away from college.
Im currently in my 2nd year in an IT. Last year I received FULL non adj grant with top up - so basically getting over 6,000e.
This covered childcare costs etc.
I received a letter in August of this year saying I was eligible for the same etc...
I just received my grant a few weeks ago into my bank and it is only 814e - a drop of 1,200e!!!!
I tried phone my County council and can not get through!!
I'm so peeved off as I relied on this grant so much, they told me I would receive it in a letter. I never got any mention of a cut to my grant!!

There are college students who's parents may have gotten a wage cut or are on dole and get more than me. I understand they are under pressure too, but i've a child to feed and mind too.

Any one any ideas of what I should do?!

Thanks!!!

[Jackass] · 23-10-2011 2:45am

Speak to student services. They may have a deal with childcare facilities near the college at a reduced rate or may be able to give you financial assistance as they get funding to distribute to students in financial difficulty.

In$omniac · 28-10-2011 2:31pm

jessie86 wrote: »

hey guys!

been reading all your comments about the grant cut.
i'm a single parent of one on Loan Parents Allowance and living about 20km away from college.
Im currently in my 2nd year in an IT. Last year I received FULL non adj grant with top up - so basically getting over 6,000e.
This covered childcare costs etc.
I received a letter in August of this year saying I was eligible for the same etc...
I just received my grant a few weeks ago into my bank and it is only 814e - a drop of 1,200e!!!!
I tried phone my County council and can not get through!!
I'm so peeved off as I relied on this grant so much, they told me I would receive it in a letter. I never got any mention of a cut to my grant!!

There are college students who's parents may have gotten a wage cut or are on dole and get more than me. I understand they are under pressure too, but i've a child to feed and mind too.

Any one any ideas of what I should do?!

Thanks!!!

Jessie I'm in exactly the same boat as you and agree it is very unfair. However, as I'm still awaiting grant approval I haven't received any funds at all and it's half-way through the first semester!! And there are talks of further cuts in the next budget!! :mad:

B1977 · 07-11-2011 5:01pm

any update on the high court action taken by students against the cuts to the grant ?

http://www.facebook.com/USI.ie

smokedeels · 07-11-2011 11:13pm

I got a letter today, they rejected me on the grounds that I hold a qualification equal or higher to the one I'm studying for now.

This isn't the case, I have no qualifications higher than a leaving cert, I'll call them to appeal tomorrow, but clearly after more than two months of "processing" they haven't given my application a high degree of attention, perhaps I ticked the wrong box on the form but I certainly didn't include or have on my record a higher qualification.... because I hold one.

It's quite annoying that they took so long and made such a trivial error.

How have people found the appeal process, should I expect another sizable wait before I know if i'm successful?

B1977 · 23-11-2011 9:37pm

B1977 wrote: »

any update on the high court action taken by students against the cuts to the grant ?

http://www.facebook.com/USI.ie

Bump

Annasopra · 23-11-2011 10:15pm

B1977 wrote: »

Bump

Not sure. Maybe ask USI

GrandBlaa · 06-01-2012 7:56pm

Hey all, quick query.

I'm in full time employment and going back to college as a Mature Student for 2012. I'm 28 and I live with my elderly parents, both of whom are disabled. However, I will be living at a college >45k away during term time.

I can't find an answer to this question: Will my grant be based on my income alone for the past year, or are my parent's disability benefits taken into account? Or, am I assessed on my parent's benefits alone?

I've checked studentfinance.ie and organisations like REGSA, but no joy. Can anyone advise, please?

eternal · 06-01-2012 8:01pm

It will be based on all three of your incomes for the year prior to you starting college.You will need statements from the body ,i.e the disabilty people in Longford.It will also be based on how far you were away at that time meaning you might be entitled to a good rate.

B1977 · 09-01-2012 11:53pm

GrandBlaa wrote: »

Hey all, quick query.

I'm in full time employment and going back to college as a Mature Student for 2012. I'm 28 and I live with my elderly parents, both of whom are disabled. However, I will be living at a college >45k away during term time.
I can't find an answer to this question: Will my grant be based on my income alone for the past year, or are my parent's disability benefits taken into account? Or, am I assessed on my parent's benefits alone?

I've checked studentfinance.ie and organisations like REGSA, but no joy. Can anyone advise, please?

Your address will be taken from where you have been living since October 2011

B1977 · 10-01-2012 12:05am

B1977 wrote: »

any update on the high court action taken by students against the cuts to the grant ?

http://www.facebook.com/USI.ie

taken from their face book page

Union of Students in Ireland (USI)
Grants Court Case Update: This morning the High Court set February 23rd as the date for the hearing. It is anticipated that the case will go into a second day on Feb 24th. The state was granted leave to file additional affidavits prior to the hearing if necessary.

dated from December

Wizzy2011 · 10-01-2012 7:03pm

I am returning to college after finishing an honours degree last year. The fees for my chosen undergraduate course range from €5,600-7,264 per annum, depending on the institute I attend and shall increase over the four year duration of the course. I was just wondering if you had any information on what grants and other financial aid that may help me cover the costs. I am 26 and unfortunately have been on jobseekers since June of last year. I was also wondering about the Back to Education Allowance scheme, it states that I am ineligible for the maintenance grant but 'such students can, however, apply under the relevant student grant scheme to have the student services charge and any tuition fees payable for the course paid on their behalf.'
Will this be applicable to me even though I have finished a course.

Thanks in advance for any information!

Annasopra · 10-01-2012 7:39pm

Wizzy2011 wrote: »

I am returning to college after finishing an honours degree last year. The fees for my chosen undergraduate course range from €5,600-7,264 per annum, depending on the institute I attend and shall increase over the four year duration of the course. I was just wondering if you had any information on what grants and other financial aid that may help me cover the costs. I am 26 and unfortunately have been on jobseekers since June of last year. I was also wondering about the Back to Education Allowance scheme, it states that I am ineligible for the maintenance grant but 'such students can, however, apply under the relevant student grant scheme to have the student services charge and any tuition fees payable for the course paid on their behalf.'
Will this be applicable to me even though I have finished a course.

Thanks in advance for any information!

If you already have an honours degree I don't think you will get any grant assistance - I am fairly sure you would not be eligible for a grant under the grants scheme.

gunterwest · 10-01-2012 7:56pm

mango salsa wrote: »

If you already have an honours degree I don't think you will get any grant assistance - I am fairly sure you would not be eligible for a grant under the grants scheme.

You may get a maintenance grant from VEC, or you may qualify for Back to Education Allowance, but you will definately not get "free fees" so you'll have to pay them. Could be up to 10k. I did an ordinary degree and was returning to college this year following redundancy, I had to sign up for a 4 year abinition honours degree so that the qualification gained was "progressive" on paper, even though it's in a totally field.

Annasopra · 10-01-2012 9:57pm

gunterwest wrote: »

You may get a maintenance grant from VEC, or you may qualify for Back to Education Allowance,

Im fairly sure you would not get either

Wizzy2011 · 11-01-2012 2:57pm

So would I definitely not be eligible for BTEA?

paperclip2 · 11-01-2012 3:27pm

Wizzy2011 wrote: »

So would I definitely not be eligible for BTEA?

It's unlikely as you have only recently finished your existing qualification and now are looking to do the same level of qualification again.
To get clarity contact your local Job Facilitator in DSP as they usually make the decisions in cases like this. You can make an appointment with the JF through your local DSP office or they might give you a contact number.
Alternatively you can contact the DSP national office dealing with BTEA:

Back to Education Section
Department of Social Protection
Social Welfare Services Office
Government Buildings
Shannon Lodge
Carrick-on-Shannon
Leitrim
Ireland
Tel: (071) 967 2616
Locall:1890 927 999
Homepage: http://www.welfare.ie

Annasopra · 11-01-2012 6:54pm

Wizzy2011 wrote: »

So would I definitely not be eligible for BTEA?

almost certainly not because you are not doing a qualification at a higher level than the one you already have

see rule 1.10 here

www.welfare.ie/en/operationalguidelines/pages/bte_all.aspx

Wizzy2011 · 11-01-2012 7:01pm

The course is the same level that my previous course was, level 8. Technically it is not a post graduate course as the course has no ties to the degree I have completed, so technically it is another level 8 undergraduate course even though it is post graduation.

1.10 Progression in education course

The approved full-time education course must lead to a higher qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications other than that already held. It is not considered that existing graduates should have an entitlement to BTEA to pursue a course at a similar qualification level as, inter alia, this can lead to displacement of persons seeking such qualifications for the first time. Reference should be made to the National Framework of Qualifications (see appendix 3) e.g. If a person holds a Fetac level 5 qualification, they must be progressing to a level 6 qualification.

There may be a small loophole, no?

Mature Student Grant 2011/12

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