Recommendations given my circumstances?

RyDar

Hello!
I'm going into 2nd year in DCU this year, my family's financial situation was pretty damn bad last year but has since gotten worse ( me and my twin turned 18 in May therefore do not get children's allowance anymore ), there are 3 in my family currently in college and my other sibling is autistic and requires extra resources (that aren't free). My mother's a teacher and father is unemployed therefore we aren't entitled to medical cards.

My question is just how much assistance can I get from the government given these circumstances? Are there any schemes out there or ways I can get some extra money that I would be entitled to?
Any help is GREATLY appreciated
Cheers,
Ryan

I might be misinterpreting your question, but it seems to me like you're looking for the higher education scheme. It's pretty well known about so I'm not sure if maybe you're talking about added assistance or if you've just never considered it before... Anyway:
http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/education/third_level_education/fees_and_supports_for_third_level_education/higher_education_grants_scheme.html

If you want to apply you should be getting everything together now. The deadline isn't for a good while, but you'd be surprised how long it takes to get documentation in order, and it's processed on a first come first served basis, so how quick you are could mean the difference between getting the money when you start college or by the time you're doing your end of year exams (this actually happened to a friend of mine).

As long as you're an Irish citizen and you're under a certain income bracket you have a good chance of getting it. Check out studentfinance.ie also, under "student grant" in the headings at the top.

Edit: Forgot to say, the link to the form on the citizensinformation website is last years; for this years form you need to go to studentfinance.ie. Also your local authority might have more information for you, as I live under Fingal County Council so I was able to get in touch with them when I had problems filling out the form in first year.

RyDar

Hey true-or-false,
I'm already getting a grant of around 4000 euro per year, but accommodation alone is more than that, just inquiring as to whether or not there is any further assistance I can get from the state given my circumstances.
Cheers,
Ryan

rhonda15

RyDar wrote: »

Hey true-or-false,
I'm already getting a grant of around 4000 euro per year, but accommodation alone is more than that, just inquiring as to whether or not there is any further assistance I can get from the state given my circumstances.
Cheers,
Ryan

You should inquire as to whether you're entitled to a maintenance grant.
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

There is also a student assistance fund available in most Irish colleges, this can cover things like books and transport costs.
http://www.studentfinance.ie/mp7926/student-assistance-fund/index.html

There are also hardship loans available where you can avail of interest free loans.

You should really talk to someone in your college (or your tutor) about all this as there are supports available.

daisyscience

Ive been in your situation, well, similar anyway.
I moved to the cheapest accomodation I could find, I know its not nice but it is out there. I also got a part time job (I at one stage had 3 part time jobs while in college), which I know can be hard to find. Try and get a job that you will be able to work full time hours while your on holidays. Seasonal work in restaurant or pubs will usually suit.
The student assistance fund cant be relied on as the amount given to each person depends on the number of applicants but it is definately brilliant. Again a lot of form filling and documentation is usually needed and you usually cant just get it at any time of the year.
The university went to also had an emergency fund that the chaplain could give out at any time of the year but it was only small amounts of money and was reserved for emergency situations like if you couldnt afford to get the bus home or to work or something like that.
Its better that you do this now and try and save some money as working part time while in your final year can really effect your marks.