Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

Advice please? Grant distance

  • 14-11-2011 10:23pm
    #1
    loribells
    Closed Accounts Posts: 11 ✭


    Hi,

    Just looking for some advice. I am a mature student living at home with one parent. I am 25 and doing my 3rd year in my course. (Got cert there last year, diploma this year and degree next year)

    My grant has been cut from €380 to just €138.50. I am on full non adjacent. I just got a renewal letter there in Ausgust so thought it would be the same. But its not.

    I went to the college who told me to contact my VEC which I did. They say its because I am too near the college and the cut off is 45km. If I go the motorway (which I do its quicker) It works out on google maps at 46.6km and but the old road is 44.3km.... so as a result I am not eligible for the higher level.

    I pleaded my case but was told there is nothing I can do at all and to contact ST Vincent De Paul. Which is something I don't want to do as i feel there are many people who are in a far worse situation than me out there.

    Anyway, I am planning on leaving college tomorrow. I am just wondering if anyone can help me on these. :

    If I leave will i be eligible for grant next year if I go back?
    The VEC won't budge, the cut off is the cut off.... is there anything else I can do?
    The cost in fuel alone is over €200 a month and I just can't afford it its as simple as that and nobody can help me out.

    Really frustrated and fairly depressed.... anyone any ideas?

    Thanks very much


Comments

  • #2
    Aoibheann
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,383 ✭✭✭Aoibheann


    You'd be best checking with your VEC to see if you'd still be eligible for it next year if you left now. I can't see why you wouldn't be, but it's safest to check with those who are issuing it.

    As well as that, check if your college (or indeed the college Students' Union) has a student welfare/hardship/assistance fund. You may be able to get some money to improve your situation that way. I'd definitely recommend talking to your SU officers anyway as they may be able to give some very helpful advice.


  • #3
    Tree
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 4,754 Mod ✭✭✭✭Tree


    I'd suggest double checking with the VEC if they will pay for the grant next year. They can be tricky about years attempted in the past and not paying a grant (even if you didnt apply for the grant in respect of the year in the past)


Advertisement