Cdvec grant issue

Jim Stark

I've received a letter back from the cdvec, asking for some extra documents to support my application, and they've said that the lease agreement I posted them was not sufficient (as I'm applying as independent mature). I was subletting, and was not registered with the prtb, and have no other documents; bills etc, as proof of residence.

I don't know what to do now, and I'm worried I will be disqualified getting the grant, as I'm in desperate need of it. I'm studying in England, and can't avail of any grants here. I've been living independently in Ireland since Sept 2010. My parents would not agree to be means tested, and have nothing to do with me in terms of financial support; I'm 24.

Does anyone know what will happen with this? Will they just dismiss my application now?

LilMsss

I had the same problem. I was classified as a dependent candidate when I first got a grant over 10 years ago and I applied for a grant for a programme I was going to take up in 2009 as an independent mature candidate and was approved as such but didn't take up my place that year - cue new rule changes to make things far more restrictive when applying. I have been told that since I didn't take up the grant in 2009 that application is null and void, and since I was originally a dependent candidate 13 years ago the onus is on me to prove that I am now independent.

I was told that I needed to prove residency for 3 out of the past 5 years, particularly for October 2010. Anyway, I sent them in bank statements, a selection of utility bills, rent receipts, leases, tax certificates, P60s, P21s etc. for several addresses over the past few years but was told that this was not enough.

I contacted the PRTB who had sent me a letter of registration for every address I have rented at, but which I usually dispose of at the end of the tenancy when I'm doing my general clear out. To be fair, the PRTB were very helpful but informed me that their system had been updated and they had lost some records, including the one for the address that was being queried.

I tend to dispose of bills as soon as they are paid and generally only keep the most recent ones. I was eventually able to request a copy of a utility bill to be sent out to me and forwarded that to the grants office but am still waiting to get a final decision.

At this rate they are going to have to courier my docs back to me because I've sent them in that much! You could try to contact one of the companies you had a bill/credit contract with and see if they could reprint a bill. Failing that, I don't know what you can do to prove your independent status.

Just on a final note, I did my undergrad in the UK and was able at the time to get my fees paid for by the LSE, - I think it was called but wasn't entitled to apply for student loans. While researching a course in the UK about 2 years ago I discovered that Rep. of Ireland students are now eligible for student loans so this is something you should look into, even for next year.

Anyway, best of luck, hope you get it sorted.

Jim Stark

Thanks for the input LilMsss, it's a load of bureaucratic nonsense. I sent them my lease, and a copy of a utility bill that's under the name of the person I signed the lease with, as none of the bills are in my name, which I figure should prove that I'm living there, along with other letters addressed to me from revenue, and cao, and ucas. I can't be registered with the prtb because I'm subletting, so I guess my lease is not officially recognised. But the fact is, I'm still living independently and paying rent.

If the point of submitting these forms for the grant is to prove that you are not living with your parents, and supporting yourself then what I've given should convince of that, but if it's to adhere to there inane bureaucracies then I'm screwed. I'm going to call them on Monday and tell them about my situation, but I'm afraid they're just going to not hear me, and say sorry, they can't process my application.

But yes you're right about the loans, I've started my course this September, and I was approved for the student loan for the course fees, which was brilliant.