Students from Dublin receiving grants will have additional payments in December, a local TD has said. TD for Dublin Mid West Deputy Emer Higgins was speaking about the package secured by Minister Simon Harris which will see all maintenance recipients receiving an additional payment on December 16th. This will mean an additional €679 for some students before the end of the year.
Deputy Higgins said, “We have taken crucial steps to address the cost of education for families in Budget 2023. This additional student grant payment will mean more money back in people’s pockets by the end of the year. “This will benefit almost 50,000 students across the country. Effective from January, we will permanently increase grants by between 10 and 14pc ensuring students will receive the help they need and deserve. To further recognise the cost of living crisis people are facing, Minister Harris also announced a once off contribution of €1,000 towards the student contribution paid by each free fees eligible student in academic year 2022/23.
This requires no action from students and will reduce the amount payable by free fees eligible students to their institution from €3,000 to €2,000 in academic year 2022/23. Deputy Higgins continued, “Students who paid their 2022/23 student contribution in full will receive a refund from the HEI attended. The HEI will begin contacting eligible students this week and seek the necessary account details to process a refund. “Individual students who have been contacted by the HEI and asked to provide account details to facilitate a refund, are required to provide those relevant details by the 30th November 2022. “Students eligible for a 50% student contribution grant support as paid by SUSI will benefit proportionally and will receive a €500 credit (from €1,500 to €1,000) in the value of the student contribution they are due to pay,” Deputy Higgins concluded.
Minister Simon Harris added, “These are practical measures to help students and families with the cost of education and the cost-of-living more generally. “If you have not paid your fee, it will be knocked off your bill and if you have, your college will be in touch to ensure you get your money back and if you have a grant you will receive that additional support before Christmas.”
