Just my gripe!

motherfunker

I am a 34 year old mature student, married with 3 small kids and just going into 3rd year of my degree. It has been a constant strugle both personally and financally. I can handle the personal side of things as they are my unique problems and necessities. What I cannot handle is the unfairness in the way the finances are divided among students.
I qualifiy for the maintenence grant which is roughly €3700 for the year, it works out at about €70 per week.
This is the only financial assistance I am entitled to.
I applied for a childcare grant but was told it was only for single mothers.
I applied for a student hardship grant but was told others needed it more than me.
I applied for a Millenium grant but was told I was not selected to recieve this grant, even though my son was born 7 weeks prematuerly around this time, bringing with it all the extra costs this entails. Once again, seing as I am a married male and not a single mother I recieved nothing.
In my class there is a 19 year old guy who lives at home with his parents, and works almost full time after college. He recieves almost €8000 grant each year plus anything else he applies for. Since we started college he has been on 2 sking holidays and probably another one booked for next year, he drives a 4 year old car and at the end of last semester he was planning on buying a lexus.
I cant afford to put petrol into my 9 year old car.

Tom Dunne

I really do feel for you. While I have never been in such a situation, I can certainly get a sense of frustration from your post.

I suppose the only thing I could say is keep looking to that light at the end of the tunnel, it will all be worth it in the end.

motherfunker

motherfunker wrote: »

he drives a 4 year old car and at the end of last semester he was planning on buying a lexus.
I cant afford to put petrol into my 9 year old car.

Sorry, did I say a Lexus. He actually bought an 06 BMW.