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Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD has today confirmed all student grant maintenance holders will receive an additional maintenance payment in December.

As part of the Budget 2023 package for students, all maintenance grant recipients will receive an additional maintenance payment on December 16th.

For some students, this will mean an additional €679 before the end of the year.

Speaking today, Minister Harris said: “We have taken important steps to address the cost of education for families in Budget 2023.

“This additional student maintenance grant payment will mean more money back in people’s pockets by the end of the year.

“This will benefit almost circa 50,000 students across the country. And effective from January, we will permanently increase maintenance grants by 10-14% ensuring students will receive the help and assistance they need.”

In recognition of the cost of living financial challenges, the Minister 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.

For students, this will reduce the amount payable by free fees eligible students to their institution from €3,000 to €2,000 in academic year 2022/23.  No action is required by the student.

Students who paid their 2022/23 student contribution in full will receive a refund from the HEI attended.

The HEIs will inform eligible students this week of the application process for refunds and begin the process of contacting individual students shortly thereafter.

Individual students who are contacted by the HEI will be asked to provide account details to facilitate a refund and 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 see the amount they pay to their institution reduce from €1,500 to €1,000.

Minister Harris added: “These are practical measures to help students and families with the cost of education and the cost-of-living more generally. This is all about ensuring we can help people through the next weeks and months.

“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.”

ENDS

Notes to the Editor:

Do I have to apply to get this additional payment?

If you have already applied for and been awarded a Student Maintenance Grant under the Student Grant Scheme, you do not need to make a further application

Does everyone on SUSI grants get this payment?

Everyone who has been awarded a SUSI maintenance Grant will receive this payment. This includes PLC, undergraduate and Postgraduate Students who are in receipt of the Special Rate of Grant.

Undergraduate Students who are in receipt of a fee only grant towards the cost of their Student Contribution and Postgraduate Students who are in receipt of a Postgraduate Fee Contribution grant towards the cost of their tuition fees are not included in this measure

How much will I get exactly?

When will I see this additional payment in my bank account? 

SUSI will begin working on these payments as quickly as possible so it is intended that students will see this additional payment in their Bank Accounts on December 16th.

I haven’t yet received confirmation from SUSI that I qualify for a grant, will I still get this grant payment?

If you are deemed eligible for a student maintenance grant even if you haven’t received confirmation from SUSI as of yet, you will still get this extra monthly payment.

I don’t get a student grant but I do get my student contribution paid for by SUSI, will I get any additional payment?

This payment is only for those students in receipt of a Student maintenance grant.

What is the effective date from when changes to SUSI scheme will be effective?

This additional maintenance grant payment will come into effect for students who are eligible for a maintenance grant for the 2022/23 Academic Year.