Grant Confusion

obnicc

Hi, just wondering if anyone could give me some advice or been in a similar situation as mine.
I'm looking to apply for the grant, starting college in September 09, I am having trouble with the part about your parents income & details, my parents are seperated the past 18 years and I've had no contact with my father, I've explained this to a student union rep from the college & he said I still have to get my fathers details.
I've had absolutlely no contact with him, don't even know his address, surely there has to be some option for people who have a parent absent?
Does anybody have any advice or know anything?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

nofi

As far as i know you just put separated re fathers details.

You must identify “separated/divorced” in the space where their PPS number should go on page 3 of the application form AND supply ONE of the following original pieces of documentation:

• Evidence of Deserted Wives’ Benefit/Allowance
• Maintenance Agreement/Order/Divorce Decree
• An affidavit sworn before a Commissioner of Oaths that he/she is separated (blank affidavits available from the Higher Education Grants Office)
• An allowance for a lone parent in relation to tax relief as shown on the P21 from the Revenue Commissioners

obnicc

Thanks for the reply. I'm going to sound terribly awkward now, but my mam doesnt get deserted wives or lone parents allowance anymore as i'm over 18 and not in third level education at the moment. Would old receipts do to prove that?

The other thing is I have had absolutely no contact with my father since they seperated & mother hadn't either so there was never any maintenance paid, so I can't use that as proof either.

At the moment my mother is processing the divorce, with no contact with himself, just through solicitors, would my best bet be to get one of those affidavits and have it done through the solicitor also? would that work?

nofi

Best thing would be to contact whatever council is handling your grant , eg if it s Dublin, its www.dublincity.ie ,ring them and ask for third level grants section they're very helpful .Your Mom could get a letter from SW stating that she's been receiving Lone Parents since whenever, and will be re-applying for it as soon as you accept a place in college ,she's entitled to it until you are 22 if you are in full time education.I think your Mom has to be on a social welfare payment to get the extra top up grant.

obnicc

Ok thank you for your help, i'll ring the council offices tomorrow & see what I can do about it.
Although I'm 22 now, 23 in august, so I'm confused as to if i'm elligable for a grant now. This is all terribly confusing! I work at the moment but if i'm going to be going to college full time i'll have to give up that job as its weekdays i'm contracted for. I also have a daughter, & I do get a social welfare payment myself? Does this rule me out?

nofi

Since you are a young parent yourself i think you would be entitled to lone parent payment , best probably to contact the likes of www.treoir.ie who would have more information .

obnicc

will do, cheers for all your help, much appreciated