btea, student grant and defered yr

elainerut

hey

hx: started level 8 in sept 09, was in receipt of both btea and grant

have been trawling the net for advice on this and have found this but it does not mention anything about defering a yr. i am continuing with my studies and have always passed everything. i read from it that i am still entitled to both, and also my grant application is a re-assessment and not a new application.
Maintenance grant and BTEA

Since the 2010/2011 academic year you cannot get a maintenance grant and a BTEA or a VTOS allowance together.
Exceptions: If you were getting the Back to Education Allowance and the student maintenance grant at the start of the 2010 academic year, you continue to be eligible for both payments for the entire duration of your current course.

I was on the BTEA for two years but failed my exams this year and took a year out to re-sit the exams so should be back to college next month. I think I'm still entitled to the registration fee part of the grant. The application system has changed so I have a few questions:

- Is there a way for me to "renew" my grant from 2 years ago?
- When I try to apply online the only option to apply under is "SUSI" or something which is a subsidiary of Dublin VEC but I'm from Louth.
- I turned 24 recently but am still living with my parents, will I be treated as a mature/independent student?
- Most importantly, have they changed the system or can I still get the registration fee covered?


Thanks in advance.