Tánaiste urges students to apply early for grants
Pictured at the launch of the 2010/2011 3rd level grants scheme in St Columba's Comprehensive in Glenties in Co Donegal is Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills Mary Coughlan TD . Also in photographs are students Tom Hughes, Bridget Melly, Patrick Moss, Regina Shovelin, Hughie Gallagher, Jamie Gallagher , School Principal Harold Reid and Deputy Principal Frances Bonner.
The Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills, Ms. Mary Coughlan T.D., today announced details of the student maintenance grant schemes for the coming academic year.
This year's schemes include a number of significant administrative and service improvements aimed at ensuring students getting their grant entitlement on time. The changes include:
Early announcement of the 2010 schemes and application form to facilitate students in making an early application;
New more user-friendly student grant application form for 2010/11;
Downloadable student grant application form; and
New payments process, including advance payments to awarding authorities.
The Tánaiste also confirmed that income limits to qualify for maintenance grants and payment of the student services charge are to remain unchanged, despite the downward trend in average earnings. Parents or legal guardians with fewer than four dependent children can therefore earn up to €51,380 without having to pay the student services charge which will be up to €1,500 depending on the third-level institution.
Making the announcement while meeting with Leaving Certificate students at St. Columba's Comprehensive School in Glenties, Co. Donegal, the Tánaiste said: "A significant frustration for too many students starting third-level over the years has been delayed arrival of their grant payment. The steps we have taken this year to simplify the forms, streamline the administration and, importantly, get the schemes out early, should ensure a quicker turn-around time and less delays for students in getting their payment. I would now encourage all eligible prospective third-level students to get their application in early."
In relation to the income limits, the Tánaiste said: "Leaving income limits unchanged despite a fall in average earnings means that students from families on low to middle incomes will continue to be eligible for important financial help from the Government in covering the costs of third-level education."
The Tánaiste also confirmed that for families on low incomes, the annual income threshold for students getting the higher special rate of maintenance grant is being increased from €22,308 to €22,703 in line with the relevant social welfare comparators. As a result, students from families on the lowest incomes and in receipt of an eligible long-term social protection payment will continue to qualify for maximum rates of grant.
All CAO applicants will be contacted directly to encourage early grant application. Details of the schemes and application forms will be available on www.studentfinance.ie.
Pictured at the launch of the 2010/2011 3rd level grants scheme in St Columba's Comprehensive in Glenties in Co Donegal is Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills Mary Coughlan TD . Also in photographs are students Tom Hughes, Bridget Melly, Patrick Moss, Regina Shovelin, Hughie Gallagher, Jamie Gallagher , School Principal Harold Reid and Deputy Principal Frances Bonner.
