Advice for disabled student hoping to work part time

CrassCooki

So I’m an 18 year old girl w/ an Autism Spectrum Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder and Anxiety. I’m graduating from 6th Year in June and I know I’m going to find Summer before I start college hard without my routine. I wanted to be an au pair in Italy but that’s out of the question now. I’ve never worked but I feel like I want to work in a coffee shop or something in the summer to gain a sense of purpose and independence and “coolness” (lmao) before college also I love coffee and the vibe of cafes.
My mom is against it and warns me that I’ll lose my grants for college and my travel card. She also feels as though I’m not ready to take on the pressure of a job. I don’t know the ins and outs of these things but basically if I get a job I lose the supports the government gives me as a disabled person. I have no idea what to do? I feel so defeated

GalwayGrrrrrl

I don’t think you’d lose grants if you work part time while you are a student. However just to double check you could contact the students union of the college you have applied to. They will have a welfare officer who should be able to answer your questions. Good luck with your exams and the job hunting.

CiarraiAbu2

Call your nearest citizens information bureau, they are very helpful.

muminpajamas

It looks like some of your income outside of "term time" earnings are deductible and won't affect your grant.

Here is the link to the legislation.

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2018/si/100/made/en/pdf

And the citizen's information page:

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

It looks like you can earn up to €4,500 without it affecting your grant. You should of course contact the susi grants people to check this out though.