A top up of this year’s student grant will be paid on 16th December, the Minister for Higher Education has announced.
The extra payment was announced on budget day to help tackle the cost of living crisis and will be worth up to €679 for some students.
“We have taken important steps to address the cost of education for families in Budget 2023,” Minister Simon Harris said.
“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.”
Students are seen on the campus of Trinity College Dublin in March 2016. Picture by: Sergio Azenha / Alamy Stock PhotoOther measures
The budget also announced a range of other one off measures to blunt the impact of soaring inflation; students on free fees have had their student contribution charge reduced from €3,000 to €2,000 for this academic year.
In addition, the first double social welfare payment is due to be handed out to 1.4 million recipients today.
Further lump sums will be given to different recipients in the coming weeks; those on child benefit will receive one on 1st November, those on the fuel allowance will get one on 14th November, as will those in receipt of the Carer's Support Grant on 21st November.
Main image: University of Galway. Picture by: Alamy.com
