Written answers

Tuesday, 30 June 2020

Department of Education and Skills

Student Grant Scheme

Photo of Jackie CahillJackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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123. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will review the selection processes regarding SUSI applications in view of the effects from the recent Covid-19 pandemic on employment (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12783/20]

Photo of Norma FoleyNorma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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For the 2020/21 academic year, student grant applications will be assessed based on gross income from all sources for the period 1st January 2019 to 31st December 2019.

However, if a student or party to their application experiences a change in circumstances that is not a temporary change and is likely to continue for the foreseeable future, they can apply to have their application assessed under the change in circumstances provision of the relevant Student Grant Scheme. 

The income of all parties to the application will be assessed or reassessed on the current year (2020) and they may also be asked to provide evidence of the current year’s (2020) income. SUSI also requires confirmation that the change is not a temporary change and is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. Following such a review, the applicant may fall within the thresholds to become eligible for grant assistance or be entitled to an increased rate of grant or the special rate of grant.

The applicant can request a review by contacting the SUSI Support Desk at 0761 087 874 or emailingsupport@susi.ie.

Apart from the Student Grant Scheme, students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund assists full-time and part-time students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the third level institution attended. Institutions have the autonomy to maximise the flexibility in the Student Assistance Fund to enable HEIs to support students during the COVID-19 situation.

In addition, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be claimed in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education. Further information on this tax relief is available from student’s local Tax Office or from the Revenue Commissioners website,www.revenue.ie.

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