Student Grant Scheme

Tuesday, 6 December 2016

Ceisteanna (177)

Kevin O'Keeffe

Ceist:

177. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will ensure that consideration is given to students applying to SUSI for higher education grants where their family income has decreased significantly in 2016, and where the income of the previous year is normally taken into consideration (details supplied); and his views on whether changed financial circumstances in the current year must be reflected in the decisions. [38823/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

Applications for a maintenance grant are means tested based on the reckonable income from the previous tax year. However, article 32 of the Student Grant Scheme provides for a review of eligibility during the academic year, if there is a permanent change in circumstance in respect of certain criteria specified in the scheme. A drop in reckonable income which is likely to obtain for the duration of the approved course or for the foreseeable future, would be an example of a change in circumstance that can be reviewed under article 32.

If the students to which the Deputy refers, have experienced a reduction in reckonable income and can provide satisfactory documentation to confirm that the reduction in income is permanent, then they can request SUSI to review their applications under the change in circumstance article.