Post here if you need assistance filling out the grant form!

stephen090 · 03-09-2011 9:15pm

I've applied, kinda in vain for a student grant , awarded through the Donegal County Council. Is it too late for a start? Is it soley income based on your parents- if you're dependent on them? My parents are retired recently.. Dad was an unskilled council worker and never gained much of a proper pension.. Mum was a secondary teacher and has a standard teachers pension.

They've a small property they bought when times were good and rent out now.. realistically the mortgage is probably more than the rent coming in per month.. although you can't exactly get that across on the form..(only the supposed 'income' being provided by the monthly rent). They've put 3 children through college already and one more to go after me - and theres no real way of getting that across either.. I'll be working voluntary on placement this year full time..so i'll have no real income- although you cant say that on the form either really..

Is there anything I can do at this stage? Thanks a lot.

augusta24 · 03-09-2011 9:23pm

stephen090 wrote: »

I've applied, kinda in vain for a student grant , awarded through the Donegal County Council. Is it too late for a start? Is it soley income based on your parents- if you're dependent on them? My parents are retired recently.. Dad was an unskilled council worker and never gained much of a proper pension.. Mum was a secondary teacher and has a standard teachers pension.

They've a small property they bought when times were good and rent out now.. realistically the mortgage is probably more than the rent coming in per month.. although you can't exactly get that across on the form..(only the supposed 'income' being provided by the monthly rent). They've put 3 children through college already and one more to go after me - and theres no real way of getting that across either.. I'll be working voluntary on placement this year full time..so i'll have no real income- although you cant say that on the form either really..

Is there anything I can do at this stage? Thanks a lot.

First of all they count income for 2010 but if you think there's been a change and your income has decreased, for instance maybe with your dads pension, you can let them know and they'll take that into account.

It's not too late by the way.

They count other children in college and school.

MeganM · 03-09-2011 10:05pm

How long does it usually take after applying for the grant to get a letter confirming that you got it/didn't get it? (assuming everything was fine with the application), I need to show a copy of the letter to my college by the end on the month so I won't have to pay the registration fees. I applied on the 19th of August, which wasn't too long ago in fairness but I'm curious to know how long it usually took for other people

augusta24 · 03-09-2011 10:25pm

MeganM wrote: »

How long does it usually take after applying for the grant to get a letter confirming that you got it/didn't get it? (assuming everything was fine with the application), I need to show a copy of the letter to my college by the end on the month so I won't have to pay the registration fees. I applied on the 19th of August, which wasn't too long ago in fairness but I'm curious to know how long it usually took for other people

It varies from every co council. Depends on where you applied really some are quick others very slow.

MeganM · 03-09-2011 10:32pm

augusta24 wrote: »

It varies from every co council. Depends on where you applied really some are quick others very slow.

I'm from Clare, which I would hope to be rather quick in processing applications, compared to the likes of Cork or Dublin. I'll give the County Council a ring in the morning and see what's happening

augusta24 · 03-09-2011 10:35pm

MeganM wrote: »

augusta24 wrote: »

It varies from every co council. Depends on where you applied really some are quick others very slow.

I'm from Clare, which I would hope to be rather quick in processing applications, compared to the likes of Cork or Dublin. I'll give the County Council a ring in the morning and see what's happening

That's probably best and maybe you could post here to let us know what they say as it might be helpful for other Clare boardies.
I'd imagine the country ones would be quicker than say cork or dub city but you can't be sure either!
Aparantly Wexford are in the middle of moving offices which are slowing them down, although they're usually quite quick every other year!

Posada · 04-09-2011 12:32am

stephen090 wrote: »

I've applied, kinda in vain for a student grant , awarded through the Donegal County Council. Is it too late for a start? Is it soley income based on your parents- if you're dependent on them? My parents are retired recently.. Dad was an unskilled council worker and never gained much of a proper pension.. Mum was a secondary teacher and has a standard teachers pension.

They've a small property they bought when times were good and rent out now.. realistically the mortgage is probably more than the rent coming in per month.. although you can't exactly get that across on the form..(only the supposed 'income' being provided by the monthly rent). They've put 3 children through college already and one more to go after me - and theres no real way of getting that across either.. I'll be working voluntary on placement this year full time..so i'll have no real income- although you cant say that on the form either really..

Is there anything I can do at this stage? Thanks a lot.

Put in a personal letter with your application explaining the circumstances that you just posted on here. It would be much harder to deny an application if they know your story and everything else fits.

Remember the people in County Councils and VECs want to help everyone get to college if possible. They are not bad guys: just people doing their job.

stephen090 · 04-09-2011 4:13am

Posada wrote: »

Put in a personal letter with your application explaining the circumstances that you just posted on here. It would be much harder to deny an application if they know your story and everything else fits.

Remember the people in County Councils and VECs want to help everyone get to college if possible. They are not bad guys: just people doing their job.

Cheers Good idea!
Do you or anyone else for that matter know much about the Course acceptance form? Im studying in the UK and it's asking me to attach in the post " a copy of the college/institution offer" for my course.. I dont remember really getting any 'offer' as such except the UCAS online application system.. How can i prove this otherwise? Thanks!

Cardor · 06-09-2011 7:57pm

Hey, I sent of my FA1 form with my CAO offer 2 weeks ago.. but today my friend said I needed to get the form stamped by the college.. which I didn't do.. but It didn't say that I had to get it stamped on the form.. did anyone else get it stamped?

I hope this doesn't hold up my application..

ironpool24 · 06-09-2011 9:58pm

Hi All,

Sorry to hijack this forum but have a urgent question - I have been in receipt of the grant for previous three years of my postgrad and now have got a form to re-apply. I am applying as a dependent student, even tho I have been living away from home since I started it. Unfortuntely, my name is not on any bills to act as proof for this. So, do I include my research scholarship of 16,000 in my Income section (along with my parents). Or is this exempt?

Thanks,

Really confused

F8492 · 06-09-2011 10:08pm

Cardor wrote: »

Hey, I sent of my FA1 form with my CAO offer 2 weeks ago.. but today my friend said I needed to get the form stamped by the college.. which I didn't do.. but It didn't say that I had to get it stamped on the form.. did anyone else get it stamped?

I hope this doesn't hold up my application..

I didnt get this form stamped by my college either before i sent it off?

it didnt say anywhere to get it stamped so it cant be true that you had to

Tree · 06-09-2011 10:21pm

ironpool24 wrote: »

Hi All,

Sorry to hijack this forum but have a urgent question - I have been in receipt of the grant for previous three years of my postgrad and now have got a form to re-apply. I am applying as a dependent student, even tho I have been living away from home since I started it. Unfortuntely, my name is not on any bills to act as proof for this. So, do I include my research scholarship of 16,000 in my Income section (along with my parents). Or is this exempt?

Thanks,

Really confused

You still count as dependant, even though live away from home, as you were dependant when you started the course.

Your research scholarship/stipend goes in a section regarding scholarships and other income.

While this is tax exempt, you must still note it on the grant form.

ironpool24 · 07-09-2011 11:43am

Great thanks for the info! Hopefully will still get it!

breadhead · 07-09-2011 1:17pm

Just wondering how I possibly update the information I have sent in?
Yesterday I received news that I will get funding to work while studying and think this should be included in my application. It was sent in just a week ago but I have yet to return to declaration and the course acceptance form.

Whats the best way to inform them of this- will I make a note with the declaration and acceptance form or can something be done online?

Many thanks:)

tipp86 · 07-09-2011 1:53pm

Ugh ive just had the hassle of sorting out my btea form. I then realise im eligible for VEC to cover fees.

I applied online but now i have to submit stuff that im clueless about

proof of been resident in the country 3/5 years
independent living
proof of old courses i done
proof of nationality

Tree · 07-09-2011 3:16pm

breadhead wrote: »

Just wondering how I possibly update the information I have sent in?
Yesterday I received news that I will get funding to work while studying and think this should be included in my application. It was sent in just a week ago but I have yet to return to declaration and the course acceptance form.

Whats the best way to inform them of this- will I make a note with the declaration and acceptance form or can something be done online?

Many thanks:)

Back to the old fashioned letter writing, and submit a letter from college/employer stating how much you will earn.

Tree · 07-09-2011 3:18pm

tipp1986 wrote: »

Ugh ive just had the hassle of sorting out my btea form. I then realise im eligible for VEC to cover fees.

I applied online but now i have to submit stuff that im clueless about

proof of been resident in the country 3/5 years
independent living
proof of old courses i done
proof of nationality

Bills for residency and independant living. (proof of your parents' address may be necessary in the form of a bill if the VEC ask).

Proof of courses - results or transcripts. If you can't find them, your old college will print them and send them to you for a fee.

Proof of nationality - a verified copy of passport (ie photocopy stamped by a garda to prove it's the same as the original) or original birthcert (they post this back)

tipp86 · 07-09-2011 3:50pm

Tree wrote: »

Bills for residency and independant living. (proof of your parents' address may be necessary in the form of a bill if the VEC ask).

Proof of courses - results or transcripts. If you can't find them, your old college will print them and send them to you for a fee.

Proof of nationality - a verified copy of passport (ie photocopy stamped by a garda to prove it's the same as the original) or original birthcert (they post this back)

I live in my grandmothers house my parents address is the exact same that wont half be confusing the issue i have no bills as such im 25 if this makes any difference.

MackDeToaster · 07-09-2011 6:45pm

Tree wrote: »

Bills for residency and independant living. (proof of your parents' address may be necessary in the form of a bill if the VEC ask).

Strangely enough, I read the guidelines which said utility bills would be fine and included esb bills going back over five years, only to get my application sent back to me. I went into the council offices to ask why and was told utility bills don't prove anything, that you need p60s and the like.

I returned again with the new info and asked again why the guidelines said utility bills were ok and I'd been told they weren't good enough, only this time to be told that they are actually fine !
I then paged to the back of my application and showed the bills that I had included, and they then said, oh, you'd need every esb bill from the past five years. They're just making this crap up on the spot basically.

Annasopra · 07-09-2011 7:04pm

MackDeToaster wrote: »

Strangely enough, I read the guidelines which said utility bills would be fine and included esb bills going back over five years, only to get my application sent back to me. I went into the council offices to ask why and was told utility bills don't prove anything, that you need p60s and the like.

I returned again with the new info and asked again why the guidelines said utility bills were ok and I'd been told they weren't good enough, only this time to be told that they are actually fine !
I then paged to the back of my application and showed the bills that I had included, and they then said, oh, you'd need every esb bill from the past five years. They're just making this crap up on the spot basically.

Absolute rubbish - ask for them a copy of the rules stating you need every bill

Ebbs · 11-09-2011 3:32pm

Recently applied after getting a letter of reassement. They asked me to get a letter from my employer stating what wages I was given during summer, easter and christmas holidays.

Do I just ask my employer to write what my specific wage was for the weeks of summer, 2 weeks of easter and 3 of christmas? Seems odd.

Annasopra · 11-09-2011 9:37pm

tipp1986 wrote: »

Ugh ive just had the hassle of sorting out my btea form. I then realise im eligible for VEC to cover fees.

I applied online but now i have to submit stuff that im clueless about

proof of been resident in the country 3/5 years
independent living
proof of old courses i done
proof of nationality

Pages 41-44
http://www.studentfinance.ie/downloads/Student%20Grant%20Scheme%202011.pdf

Tree · 12-09-2011 12:27am

Ebbs wrote: »

Recently applied after getting a letter of reassement. They asked me to get a letter from my employer stating what wages I was given during summer, easter and christmas holidays.

Do I just ask my employer to write what my specific wage was for the weeks of summer, 2 weeks of easter and 3 of christmas? Seems odd.

EXACTLY, get a letter stating this. Wages you earn during term time are reckonable income, wages you earn during holidays arent. So they need a letter that confirms how much you earned at this time, and then they can subtract it when they get around to dealing with your application.

If your place of employment is used to students, then the HR person will be used preparing such letters.

missmaw · 12-09-2011 1:52pm

Emailed Clare Co Co today re grant application. Got emai back (YAY) saying they had wrote to me today looking for 2 p60s off me. Now I am going based on my own and my parents income. My dad is self employed so wouldn't need his and I sent my one for both me and my Mam for 2010
What I am thinking is that i had two other jobs which I finished in August but they wouldn't have P60. As far as I am aware you only get a p60 for employment that you are in at the end of December of the year (2010). Am I wrong in thinking this?

Also she asked for details of summer work? I was on Jobseekers for the summer and did 2 weeks of temp work. Would I need letters from Social Protection and from this job?

Thanks
Was also thinking maybe they want them as proof as living in Ireland the last 3 years.

Dan133269 · 12-09-2011 10:22pm

Hello people, just wondering is disability allowance of a parent included in the reckonable income of an applicant for a 3rd level grant?

Thanks in advance.

Sparkie93 · 13-09-2011 12:27pm

Dan133269 wrote: »

Hello people, just wondering is disability allowance of a parent included in the reckonable income of an applicant for a 3rd level grant?

Thanks in advance.

yes its counted i had to get letter from social welfare stating how much we got in 2010,
if you go on to their website you can request a statement and i got it in a few days

Tree · 16-09-2011 12:34am

missmaw wrote: »

Emailed Clare Co Co today re grant application. Got emai back (YAY) saying they had wrote to me today looking for 2 p60s off me. Now I am going based on my own and my parents income. My dad is self employed so wouldn't need his and I sent my one for both me and my Mam for 2010
What I am thinking is that i had two other jobs which I finished in August but they wouldn't have P60. As far as I am aware you only get a p60 for employment that you are in at the end of December of the year (2010). Am I wrong in thinking this?

Also she asked for details of summer work? I was on Jobseekers for the summer and did 2 weeks of temp work. Would I need letters from Social Protection and from this job?

Thanks
Was also thinking maybe they want them as proof as living in Ireland the last 3 years.

Get a P21 for the year 2010. Should work out, it's a balancing statement saying how much you earned in each job and how much tax you've payed. You can request them for the last four years if you need. P60s are only given if at the end of the eyear if you are still employed by the company.

meg3178 · 16-09-2011 10:09pm

just a quick query, when the HEA grant guidelines state 'Net of Qualified child increases and standard exclusions' what exactly does this mean? I know its net of your income tax, but does anyone know what else they give you allowances for? I can't seem to find the exact details on the student finance site, nor on the citizens information site....anyone? Thanks if you can answer.

learnado99 · 29-11-2011 12:38am

hey guys. im starting a psychology course in Dublin business school in September and have been informed about student grant.i really don't have a clue about it.the course is approx 5200 does anyone know if its possible to get even 80 per cent of the fee i understand it depends on personal circumstances but i have no idea what to expect and if i get half the fee for instance then what do i do then? thanks in advance if anyone can help

BD28 · 13-01-2012 7:58pm

Can somebody tell me what is the difference between the two income tables for grants on the Citizens advice website. The first one is almost self explanatory and our income is marginally over the limit but then the second table refers to 50% tuition fees and 100% student contribution and our income would fall into this categegory. Can anyone explain in plain English what the difference is and would we qualify for any sort of help under the second one. We are West of Ireland and she would be going to study in Dublin

augusta24 · 13-01-2012 8:02pm

BD28 wrote: »

Can somebody tell me what is the difference between the two income tables for grants on the Citizens advice website. The first one is almost self explanatory and our income is marginally over the limit but then the second table refers to 50% tuition fees and 100% student contribution and our income would fall into this categegory. Can anyone explain in plain English what the difference is and would we qualify for any sort of help under the second one. We are West of Ireland and she would be going to study in Dublin

Have you got a link to these tables? I think I know the ones you're talking about but can't remember them fully and don't see them on the site.

BD28 · 13-01-2012 8:12pm

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/education/third_level_education/fees_and_supports_for_third_level_education/maintenance_grant_schemes_for_students_on_third_level_courses.html

hope this works....its on the means test part of the citizensinformation website....i just googled student grants and went into their site.

ThanksB

Annasopra · 13-01-2012 8:43pm

BD28 wrote: »

Can somebody tell me what is the difference between the two income tables for grants on the Citizens advice website. The first one is almost self explanatory and our income is marginally over the limit but then the second table refers to 50% tuition fees and 100% student contribution and our income would fall into this categegory. Can anyone explain in plain English what the difference is and would we qualify for any sort of help under the second one. We are West of Ireland and she would be going to study in Dublin

The first table means they get the student contribution of 2000 paid plus maintenance of 3000 or 2000 or 1000.

The second table means they don't get maintenance but they get the student contribution either fully paid or partially paid

Obviously those are the 2011/2012 figures so they will probably change for 2012/2013. The student contribution goes up to 2250. I am presuming also that your daughter is fully eligible for free tuition fees.

BD28 · 13-01-2012 8:48pm

Thanks, thats a little clearer....I realise the figures will probably change but maybe not too much....as for free tuition yes I presume she qualifies? Why would she not?

Thanks a million for your help

BD

Annasopra · 13-01-2012 8:54pm

BD28 wrote: »

Thanks, thats a little clearer....I realise the figures will probably change but maybe not too much....as for free tuition yes I presume she qualifies? Why would she not?

Thanks a million for your help

BD

Once she is an Irish citizen then yes she will almost certainly be eligible for free tuition fees. The new means tests will take some capital assets into account

ac07 · 14-06-2012 11:22pm

Hi,
I have a question regarding the dependent/Independent mature student part.
In October i lived in Australia, i returned home in Jan and have since been living back in my parents home, does this class me as being dependent?
Thanks

Harblarblar · 03-07-2012 4:09pm

Hi Im filling out the grant this year and my Dad is self employed also..I'm just wondering what you ended up doing in this situation as I see no other answers?Thanks

hcass · 03-07-2012 4:51pm

ac07 wrote: »

Hi,
I have a question regarding the dependent/Independent mature student part.
In October i lived in Australia, i returned home in Jan and have since been living back in my parents home, does this class me as being dependent?
Thanks

I'd say so - just a little word on you living in Oz. I had to account for my time spent in Oz - needed to get an affidavit signed by a commissioner for oaths to account for the time spent outside Ireland. No one told me this until I sent in my forms and did everything else - it's not written anywhere and was a cause of real annoyance to me cos they only let me know weeks after i had sent everything in - my application was delayed for ages because of it so just thought I'd give you a heads up.

ac07 · 03-07-2012 10:55pm

hcass wrote: »

I'd say so - just a little word on you living in Oz. I had to account for my time spent in Oz - needed to get an affidavit signed by a commissioner for oaths to account for the time spent outside Ireland. No one told me this until I sent in my forms and did everything else - it's not written anywhere and was a cause of real annoyance to me cos they only let me know weeks after i had sent everything in - my application was delayed for ages because of it so just thought I'd give you a heads up.

Thanks for the heads up

Tulip75 · 16-07-2012 6:29pm

Hi,

I received the grant as a mature student last year and was entitled to 100% student contribution, full fees and 25% maintenance. My income for 2011 (prior to starting college) puts me over the limit for the amount I received last year but it looks like I would receive 50% of the Student Contribution. There's no way I'm going to be able to afford my fees and half the SC this year!!

I moved in with my BF at the beginning of the summer (he's currently not working and in receipt of JB) so when filling in the grant form for this coming year do I need to account for his JB for 2011 and my earnings for the first 9 months of 2011 i.e. complete the applicant and co-habitant sections or just the co-habitant section?

It seemed way more straight forward last year and I expected this year (as a renewal of last year's application) to be the same but it's like applying from scratch all over again and I'm so confused!!

Any help appreciated!
Tulip75

augusta24 · 16-07-2012 6:39pm

Tulip75 wrote: »

Hi,

I received the grant as a mature student last year and was entitled to 100% student contribution, full fees and 25% maintenance. My income for 2011 (prior to starting college) puts me over the limit for the amount I received last year but it looks like I would receive 50% of the Student Contribution. There's no way I'm going to be able to afford my fees and half the SC this year!!

I moved in with my BF at the beginning of the summer (he's currently not working and in receipt of JB) so when filling in the grant form for this coming year do I need to account for his JB for 2011 and my earnings for the first 9 months of 2011 i.e. complete the applicant and co-habitant sections or just the co-habitant section?

It seemed way more straight forward last year and I expected this year (as a renewal of last year's application) to be the same but it's like applying from scratch all over again and I'm so confused!!

Any help appreciated!
Tulip75

I don't know anything about including your boyfriends income so maybe someone else can help with that.
But are you still earning? Because you could tell them that you've had a change of circumstances and so no longer earn what you did in 2011.

CommanderC · 20-07-2012 7:56pm

Does anyone know is this 5 years counting back from July 2012. So I could send them documents for 3 years between July 2007 and July 2012 ?

Annasopra · 23-07-2012 8:40pm

CommanderC wrote: »

Does anyone know is this 5 years counting back from July 2012. So I could send them documents for 3 years between July 2007 and July 2012 ?

Yes that should be fine

Bears and Vodka · 24-07-2012 11:28pm

Hi, I got my application pack and they require a ''certified copy of passport'' (as proof of nationality). How do you define a 'certified' copy? Do you make a photocopy and go to the solicitor?

Annasopra · 25-07-2012 9:41am

subz3r0 wrote: »

Hi, I got my application pack and they require a ''certified copy of passport'' (as proof of nationality). How do you define a 'certified' copy? Do you make a photocopy and go to the solicitor?

Get a photocopy signed at a garda station

http://www.studentfinance.ie/mp9548/step-3-check-your-nationality-related-status/index.html

jay.i.am · 29-07-2012 5:19pm

My stepson is applying for a grant as a depentent student for next year and needs advice on the following ,

I am not his legal guardian but i am married to his mother , and was wondering if I am to be included in the assesment of earnings on the application form.
We were both taxed jointly last year, my wife was self employed , but no longer has the business and our financial circumstances wold have changed from 2011.
Thanks for any info on this.

Annasopra · 29-07-2012 8:14pm

jay.i.am wrote: »

My stepson is applying for a grant as a depentent student for next year and needs advice on the following ,

I am not his legal guardian but i am married to his mother , and was wondering if I am to be included in the assesment of earnings on the application form.
We were both taxed jointly last year, my wife was self employed , but no longer has the business and our financial circumstances wold have changed from 2011.
Thanks for any info on this.

It's not 100% clear - I think your income is considered

http://www.studentfinance.ie/downloads/1339418623/Student_Grant_Scheme_2012.pdf

Persons whose income is considered
21. (1) Where the applicant is a dependent student, the income of the applicant and his or her parents, as appropriate, shall be taken into account in calculating whether the limit(s) specified is exceeded.

(2) Where the dependent student’s parents are divorced or legally separated,
or it is established to the satisfaction of the relevant awarding authority that
they are separated, the reckonable income shall be that of the applicant and of the parent or parents with whom the applicant resides

Changes in income can be accounted for as a "change of circumstances" - which you can notify SUSI of

brianclown · 30-07-2012 1:35am

A question re non adjacent rate of grant. If you calculate the distance from my home to college it works out at 49km using the motorway and 34km in an alternative (longer timed) route. The cut off is 45km for the non adjacent rate so which route should they be taking? I have already emailed the council and they say that they will be most likely taking the 34km route which would downgrade me from 6,100 to 2445 approx! I can appeal it if I do send in an application but I'm not sure what the initial result will be? what route SHOULD they take? It makes no sense to avoid the motorway and to use the other route would be seriously harsh.

brianclown · 30-07-2012 7:31pm

Anybody?

Annasopra · 01-08-2012 10:52am

brianclown wrote: »

Anybody?

It's never been clear to me how they work out the distance. I think some councils used AA routemaster, some used google maps routefinder and some just measured as the crow flies.

Post here if you need assistance filling out the grant form!

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