please please help!!

avro

Hi I am a 22 yr old student after returning to college September of 2011. I'll try to keep this short!!

I have lived away from home (paying rent) since i was 17 years old and I am getting NO support from my parents. As i have no contact with them. I have tried to apply for a grant several times but i keep getting told I have to go under my parents accounts. As my father is self employed they don't qualify for the grant. As far as I know I cannot apply for a grant on my own until I am 23 on the January before the school year. I have been working since I was 14 and i believe i should be able to be assessed on my own?
It has come to the stage that after giving up so much to go to college this year i may have to give it all up and drop out. If anyone has any information on what supports I may be entitled to please let me know.

(I am also not entitled to a medical card as i am not earning over 160euro a week so they wont accept that i am not receiving help from home.)

Psychobabble

Not sure about state benefits, but your college may have a hardship fund that you can apply to.

MyKeyG

Isn't the back to education allowance the equivalent of the dole? Can the OP not claim that?

avro

Thanks I'm going to try go in Monday and see if I can speak to someone.

avro

excuse the stupidity whats op?

snubbleste

Them's the breaks regarding the maintenance grant. These rules are published in a clear coherent manner and free to access on studentfinance.ie
You were told this several times already, right?

Regarding medical card, ask for those comments to be put in writing and appeal.

Psychobabble

avro wrote: »

excuse the stupidity whats op?

OP is shorthand for 'Original Poster'; in this case you, as you started the thread.

MyKeyG

avro wrote: »

excuse the stupidity whats op?

Original Poster. Going in to them is your best bet. I remember under the old VEC/Council grant scheme everything was done through parents for CAO applicants but if you've been in the work force for a few years I'd hope you're entitled to the back to education allowance. It's €188 per week with a €500 additional lump sum payable at the start of each year and you can work while attending college. You're registration fees are also covered.

avro

it says when I look up the back to education allowance that you have to be receiving one of these- Jobseeker's Allowance or Benefit,Farm Assist,One-Parent Family Payment,Widow’s or Widower’s Contributory or Non-Contributory Pension
,Carer’s Allowance
None of which I am receiving.

MyKeyG

avro wrote: »

it says when I look up the back to education allowance that you have to be receiving one of these- Jobseeker's Allowance or Benefit,Farm Assist,One-Parent Family Payment,Widow’s or Widower’s Contributory or Non-Contributory Pension
,Carer’s Allowance
None of which I am receiving.

Ah right. Yeah sorry.

avro

Yeah i know i really do get caught every way I turn!! I have a part job in the place i was working before I returned to college and I get work there only if they are stuck at the weekends. but lately that hasn't been much.. does anyone know if you can receive job seekers benefit or something like it if you are in education??

Ant11

You can also apply for a students assistance fund from your college, I got it this year as my grant was cut by 2k. It's means tested but you should definitely qualify for it.

avro

Thanks do you know how much that gives you?

Ant11

avro wrote: »

Thanks do you know how much that gives you?

I was given 500 before Xmas and I'm waiting for 400 for the rest of my term this year. You should also go into your student union and ask them for advice, or the college support services or your college tutor. It is always good to have other people to help fight your corner as the social welfare can be a nightmare to deal with. Don't be afraid to ask people in college for help, that's what they are there for. The have all been students at some time so they all understand how difficult it can be.

avro

Thanks ANT i must try and see who I can go to on Monday in college. It just seems the more you work and try to afford things the less you are entitled to.

cee_jay

Thread moved to Student Finances as OP is not in receipt of Social Welfare, and query relates to Student Grant.

Ant11

avro wrote: »

Thanks ANT i must try and see who I can go to on Monday in college. It just seems the more you work and try to afford things the less you are entitled to.

Well don't give up whatever you do, fight for what you are entitled for. I had some problems getting my grant and I had to fight tooth and nail to get it. Also you should look up these websites for info but definitely go and speak to people in college on Monday.

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/

http://www.studentfinance.ie/

p28559

As i have no contact with them. I have tried to apply for a grant several times but i keep getting told I have to go under my parents accounts. As my father is self employed they don't qualify for the grant.

(I am also not entitled to a medical card as i am not earning over 160euro a week so they wont accept that i am not receiving help from home.)[/QUOTE]

grant scheme is black and white. either your under 23 and living at home, over 23 living at home or over 23 and independent. unless you can prove estrangement from your parents with a court order, documentation from HSE or something documented independently you most likely wont be considered as an independent.