Grant refused by VEC

annex

I applied to Louth VEC for my fee's to be paid, but they told me today that it was refused even tho I was told over the phone last week that it had been awarded. The reason they refused it is because I did first year of a level 7 software development course in 2007/2008 and I got the grant for that year so they won't pay my fee's for the level 8 course I am just about to start.
Can they refuse it on this basis? I was under the impression that I would be ok because I went from level 7 to level 8.
Is there any point in appealing?

marti8

annex wrote: »

I applied to Louth VEC for my fee's to be paid, but they told me today that it was refused even tho I was told over the phone last week that it had been awarded. The reason they refused it is because I did first year of a level 7 software development course in 2007/2008 and I got the grant for that year so they won't pay my fee's for the level 8 course I am just about to start.
Can they refuse it on this basis? I was under the impression that I would be ok because I went from level 7 to level 8.
Is there any point in appealing?

You could appeal, nothing to lose but as far as I know you can't get your fees covered until 2013. There is something called Second Chance Student - basically it means if you have started at 3rd level but didn't complete your course the earliest you can return to 3rd level and have your fees paid and possibly get a grant would be 5 years from the last academic year you attended 3rd level, for you that's 2013. And if you do any other educational course within that time before returning to 3rd level you disqualify yourself under the Second Chance Student scheme. So, unless you can afford to pay yourself looks like you are stuck until 2013. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but as far as I know that's how it is. You could always try phoning Student Support in Tullamore (it's decentralised - another great waste of money back in the day!) and ask them to clarify it for you. I don't have their number to hand but if you do a search you might find it.

Annasopra

marti8 wrote: »

You could appeal, nothing to lose but as far as I know you can't get your fees covered until 2013. There is something called Second Chance Student - basically it means if you have started at 3rd level but didn't complete your course the earliest you can return to 3rd level and have your fees paid and possibly get a grant would be 5 years from the last academic year you attended 3rd level, for you that's 2013. And if you do any other educational course within that time before returning to 3rd level you disqualify yourself under the Second Chance Student scheme. So, unless you can afford to pay yourself looks like you are stuck until 2013. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but as far as I know that's how it is. You could always try phoning Student Support in Tullamore (it's decentralised - another great waste of money back in the day!) and ask them to clarify it for you. I don't have their number to hand but if you do a search you might find it.

Just to clarify this. It's my understanding that the OP is not entitled to 'free fees' or a grant for 1st year of this course ONLY and that he would be eligible for both for years 2/3/4

marti8

mango salsa wrote: »

Just to clarify this. It's my understanding that the OP is not entitled to 'free fees' or a grant for 1st year of this course ONLY and that he would be eligible for both for years 2/3/4

Possibly but I don't think that is how it works. But it is very possible I am wrong. Best thing is for the OP to contact the Student Support section at Tullamore. Used have their number but can't find it right now, it should be on the net somewhere.

annex

Thanks for the answers.

I have found out from the VEC that I am not entitled to free fee's this year but I will for years 2/3/4 so that's not too bad. Trying to scrape up the money at the last minute is hard but thanks to my family I may just have enough

Roll on the 19th!

Annasopra

Sulu wrote: »

Hi everyone - please find my student facebook page to lobby for change in this area

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/No-Grant-No-Loan-No-College-Education/289178167801394

I am experiencing the misery of this as well. My future life dependent on a few people in a VEC as to whether or not I am entitled to a grant and waiting ages for it. It needs to end. It is also for those who are dependent on bank loans with enormous interest rates.

Group is called No Grant No Loan No College Education

How is the Facebook page lobbying?

Have you contacted the TDs/ councillors in your area? - most VECs have councillors who are on their management board