SAF FAQs

Student Assistance Fund FAQs

Below you will find some useful frequently asked questions and answers in relation to the Student Assistance Fund at LIT.

• Can I apply for the SAF at any time in the academic year?

  Applications for the Student Assistance Fund can only be accepted online between the 5th of October and the 6^th of November.

• Can I apply to the Student Assistance fund if I am participating in a part-time course?

  Yes

• Can Springboard students apply for the SAF?

  Yes however, applicants must be students registered with LIT participating on a third level course of not less than one-year duration leading to an under-graduate or post-graduate qualification.

   

• How do I apply to the fund?

  The SAF application form for the 2020/2021 Student Assistance Fund is entirely online. The application form and supporting documentation must be submitted online. No paper documentation will be accepted this year.

• How do I make an appeal?

  An appeal form will be sent to applicants that were unsuccessful in their application.

• How is my application form assessed?

  The following financial documentation, where applicable, must be submitted online in support of your application. Applications will only be assessed by the Student Assistance Fund Advisory Committee if the relevant supporting documents are submitted, within the application closing date. Late applications will not be accepted.

  N.B. Please note that applications may take up to six weeks after closing date to process.

• How long does the process take?

  Applications may take up to six weeks after closing date to process.

• How much funding is available to a student from the SAF?

  The amount of funding available to an applicant is dependent on the amount allocated by the HEA, and the number of students who successfully apply.

• How will I be notified of the outcome of my application?

  You will receive an email to your student email address stating the outcome of your application after the fund has closed.

• I am a HEAR student, do I need to provide documentation?

  No, HEAR students only need to apply online but do not need any supporting documentation.

• I am in receipt of funding from the LIT 1916 Bursary, am I eligible to apply to the Student Assistance Fund?

  Yes, the Student Assistance Fund will not affect your 1916 Bursary payments.

• I am registered on an approved course and I am receiving additional support under the Fund for Students with Disabilities. Am I eligible to apply for the Student Assistance Fund?

  Yes

• I am repeating a year of college and I am registered on an approved course. Can I apply to the Student Assistance Fund?

  Yes

• I have outstanding registration fees, can I use the Student Assistance Fund to cover these?

  Only students who are registered (fees paid or that the student has an up to date payment arrangement in place with the LIT Fees Office) can apply for assistance from the Student Assistance Fund. The SAF cannot be used to cover registration or tuition fees. 

• If I am successful in applying to the Student Assistance Fund in an academic year, does this mean that I will be supported by the fund in a subsequent academic year?

  No, you will need to reapply to the Student Assistance Fund each year.

• If I am successful in my application how do I receive my payment?

  Payment will be made by electronic funds transfer directly to your bank account, using the details provided on your bank mandate. The account must be in the student’s name. Incorrect account details will delay payment.

• If I am successful in my application what expenses can be considered for funding?

  The Student Assistance Fund is available to help students with day to day costs while participating in higher education, such as:

  • Rent
  • Food;
  • Travel
  • Books and Class Materials
  • Registered Childcare Provider Fees
  • Medical Bills
• If my application to the Student Assistance Fund is not approved, can I appeal the decision of the Student Fund Advisory Committee?

  Yes. You can only appeal the decision if you believe there is a change in your circumstances. Students must provide further documentation to support their appeal. The deadline for making an appeal is 27^th November.

• If my application to the Student Assistance Fund is not approved, can I apply again the following academic year?

  Yes, you may apply again the following year. However, you will again need to prove that you meet the eligibility criteria in order to be awarded the SAF.

• What costs are not covered?

  Tuition fees, registration fees, student loan repayments or any costs borne by LIT are not covered by the Student Assistance Fund.

• What If I have any questions about the online application form or process?

  If you have any further queries in regards the fund, not covered in the FAQ, please email SAF@lit.ie

  Visits to the office can only be facilitated by appointment only at this time.

• What supporting documentation is required to support my application?

  Documentation needed to support an application, may include proof of your own or your parent/spouse/partner(s)’ social welfare payment.

  A student that is in receipt of the SUSI grant, must provide a copy of their awarding letter or screenshot of their SUSI online account.

• Who can apply to the Student Assistance fund?

  Applications to the Fund is open to full-time and part-time registered LIT students on a course of not less than one year's duration leading to an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification (excluding night study). Applicants must meet the application eligibility criteria. Funding is not available under this fund for the cost of tuition or registration fees.

  Students must meet one or more of the following eligibility criteria:

  •  Be in receipt of a DEASP means tested social welfare payment or be dependent upon their spouse or partner’s social welfare payment

  And/or

  •  Students who are dependent on their parent(s)/legal guardian, who are in receipt of a means tested social welfare payment.

  And/or

  •  Students who are in receipt of a SUSI grant or are awaiting the outcome of their application e.g. fees only or maintenance grant.

  And/or

  • Are a registered HEAR student of LIT*
     

  And/or 

  • 
    Can demonstrate that they and/or their family have experienced significant financial hardship due to COVID 19, i.e. that the student’s income or the family income has been and continues to be replaced by the Covid 19 payment. 

   

   

  PhD students are funded for years 1-4 only. Students must have been resident in the Irish State for three of the past five years on the date on which their year of study commences. International/non-EU fee paying students are not eligible for funding. Students on courses that do not lead to a higher education award are not eligible to apply for the SAF.