COLLEGE CHOICE/BRIAN MOONEY: THE PROCESS of securing a grant payment can be frustrating for students.
But for the Class of 2010, the prospect of getting your grant on time is much improved because of major changes recently introduced in the application process.
Key among these changes are a simplification of the grant application form and a streamlined administrative process.
These developments should ensure a quicker turnaround time and less delay in getting your payment.
Getting the application process right:
Parents and students have a key role to play. Apply for the grant immediately. Make sure the application forms are fully and accurately completed. And ensure they are accompanied by the required supporting documentation.
Knowing that you are eligible for a grant at an early stage will take a lot of pressure off and can make a difference to what you decide to do.
In all, 69,000 students – or 45 per cent – received financial support from the Government under the student grant schemes in the 2009/2010 academic year.
This number is likely to rise this year because of the economic downturn.
With the expected volume of applications, it is easy to see how delays can arise if a large number of students leave their applications to the last minute or submit poorly completed forms.
You must also be careful to ensure that your grant application is made to a local authority or vocational education committee (VEC) in your home area. Failure to do this will result in delay.
Remember the grant schemes are administered by the grant awarding authorities and not the Department of Education and Skills.
Therefore, any queries on eligibility for a grant must be raised with the grant awarding authority.
How to apply:
Details of the student grant schemes together with a downloadable application form and course acceptance form are available on www.studentfinance.ie.
This website is a valuable source of information on financial support for further and higher education; its student grant section provides a step-by-step guide to eligibility.
The Find Your Scheme and Where to Apply section will indicate whether an application should be made to the local authority or VEC. The website also provides useful information on eligibility for free fees and other sources of assistance, such as the Fund for Students with Disabilities and the Student Assistance Fund.
This year's changes:
The income limits to qualify for maintenance grants and payment of the student services charge and/or fees remain unchanged for this year. Parents or legal guardians with fewer than four dependent children can earn up to €51,380 without having to pay the €1,500 student services charge.
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 will continue to qualify for maximum rates of grant up to €6,355 in addition to the student service charge and any tuition fees payable.
Brian Mooney will be examining this year’s CAO first-round offers in the special College Options supplement on Monday. This column resumes next Tuesday