Question about special rate of grant

artvanderlay

Hi there,

I'm thinking about doing a full-time masters next September, and I'm trying to figure out if I would be able to apply for the special rate of grant and therefore get my full fees paid (up to €6,270). I am presently unemployed, married and getting jobseekers benefit for myself and my wife (312.80 per week), as well as rent allowance (€540 per month). I also receive fuel allowance (€20 per week which I think is paid for around 6 months). When I add all this together this gives €23,266, which is a little bit over the income limit of €22,703 mentioned here

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/education/third_level_education/fees_and_supports_for_third_level_education/postgraduate_student_grant.html

Does anyone know if rent or fuel allowance is even included as a reckonable income or should I leave them out when coming up with a total income figure? I was thinking it's a bit unfair if I do have to include them and am therefore a few hundred over the limit, as if I was living down the country my rent would be less so I'd get less rent allowance and so be under the limit! (currently living in Dublin). Even with that, if I was over the limit by a small amount, is there any leeway with that, that they would still give me the higher rate?

Thanks a mill for any advice

Annasopra

Im fairly sure rent supplement and fuel allowance are counted in your income.

(4)The following payments known for the purposes of this Scheme as “income disregards” are not included in calculating reckonable income—
•Child Benefit,
•Family Income Supplement
•Disability Allowance (where paid to the applicant)
●Blind Pension (where paid to the applicant),
•One Parent Family Payments (Means Tested) (where paid to the applicant), •Guardian’s Payment,
•Foster Care Allowance,
•Domiciliary Care Allowance,
•Carer’s Allowance,
•Student Assistance Fund,
•Student grant,
•Compensation for a personal injury

artvanderlay

Thanks for the reply Mango. I'm going to contact the grants office just to clarify a few things.

Annasopra

What do you need clarified?