Senator Aisling Dolan - Strong Voice, New Vision.
Fine Gael Senator for Roscommon-Galway Aisling Dolan has confirmed 4618 students from County Galway and 1301 from County Roscommon will receive the Covid-19 once-off Emergency Grant of €250 this Christmas.
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD secured funding in Budget 2021 for a €50 million support package for third level students, who have experienced significant upheaval as a result of Covid-19.
If a student is in receipt of a SUSI grant, they will receive a €250 addition to the grant on December 18th.
Senator Aisling Dolan said: “2020 has been a really difficult year for students and their families. Students have been confined to the box room or the kitchen table doing their studies and it has been really, really hard.
“As part of the Budget, we secured funding to financially assist students. This will happen in two ways.
“If you are a student in receipt of SUSI, and 4618 people from County Galway and 1301 from County Roscommon are, you will receive €250 in addition to your grant on December 18th. Students should make sure their bank details are updated on their SUSI accounts by December 7th.
“And if you are not in receipt of SUSI, you can use the €250 to reduce any fees you may have, or use it for college facilities.
“I know this won’t change a really tough year for students at college however, I hope it is recognition that the Government is conscious of the affect this pandemic has had on young people and I hope it helps this Christmas.”
Will I receive my €250 before Christmas?
If you are a recipient of SUSI and confirmed as registered you will receive the Covid-19 Once Off Emergency Grant of €250 on December 18th. You must update your bank details on your SUSI account by December 7th.
There will be some students, for example if SUSI pays your fees but you do not receive a maintenance grant, it may be after Christmas when you receive your payment. SUSI will be in touch directly with you.
Who will receive this grant?
All students awarded funding by SUSI for academic year 2020/21 and confirmed as registered will receive the Covid-19 Once Off Emergency Grant of €250.
How will I receive the grant?
SUSI will pay the grant directly to students through their registered bank account.
How much will I receive?
The Covid-19 Once Off Emergency Grant is a single payment of €250.
When will I receive it?
The payment will be made on 18th December. In some cases, students will receive the payment after Christmas. Students who have not yet added their bank details to their SUSI account should do so as soon as possible. To receive the payment on 18th December, bank details must be added before 7th December.
How will students who have not been awarded funding by SUSI receive the Covid-19 Once Off Emergency Grant?
SUSI will only pay the grant to students who have been awarded funding by SUSI for academic year 20/21.
Full-time EU undergraduate and postgraduate students in publically-funded institutions who have not been awarded funding by SUSI will be contacted directly by their higher education institution with further details.
https://susi.ie/covid-19-once-off-emergency-grant/
What if I do not receive SUSI?
All higher education institutions have been asked to apply a credit note in your name by the end of the year. This will allow you to use the €250 credit note against any outstanding contribution fees, or use a credit note for college facilities.
I haven’t heard anything from my college?
We expect all higher education institutions to contact students shortly. Students do not need to contact their college.
What if I am a final year student and paid my fees, what am I going to do?
Final year students can receive a credit note for use on campus. In a small number of cases, alternative arrangements will be made.
If I am in Further Education, do I receive the €250?
If you are in FET and in receipt of SUSI, you will receive the €250. However, as fees are not applicable to students in FET, the €250 will only be made available to those in SUSI.
What about private colleges?
The €250 is only for full-time students in publicly funded institutions under the remit of this Department. However, the Department would encourage private operators to show flexibility to students within their remit.
