Grant 2009/2010, advice needed.

confusedstudent

I am a mature student, since Sept. and am in dire need of financial aid for the upcoming college year.

I have not been elligible for assistance over the past few years due to my father being employed, even though I have been financially independant of my parents since I was 19.

I had to move out of the family home recently due to ongoing stressful situations and believe that living out of home is the only way I can successfully complete my course as family problems have hindered my performance in the past.

Currently after paying rent I have only €50 a week for food and bills, I have some savings which will see me through until Oct. but wish to keep some incase of an emergency.

My question is should I apply as a mature student living at home with unemployed parents or an independant student who earned €8000 last year? I am aware that technically for independant mature status I have to prove that I have lived out of home since Oct 2008 and this is not the case. I do not wish to "scam" the system and use it as drink money as many students do, but wish to fully avail of a service which is there to help students with financial difficulties, and wish to recieve everything I am entitled to, this grant will be a means of survival for me.

I would apreciate any advice on the matter or any other grants/financial aid that I should apply for. Please do not suggest I move back home, I understand this is the most logical answer but this is not an option, it was hard enough to leave, over a year of planning, and have had many guilt trips/restless nights since I "abandoned" the family.

Seanh111

Ya could anyone give me some advice aswel? Iv just finished the leaving n hopin to go to ucc. What grants am i eligible for and where do i apply?