SUSI

The SUSI online application system for the 2018/19 academic year is currently open for applications. 

Information on grant eligibility and how to apply is available at the SUSI website www.susi.ie

Before making an application, students are encouraged to refer to the grant eligibility criteria, to use the eligibility reckoner and to view tips for applicants provided on the SUSI website.

Students should apply early, they do not need to know the exact course or college they will be attending in order to make an application.

Student Assistance Fund

* Log onto www.mycit.ie/saf for additional information 

As part of an initiative to tackle educational disadvantage, an ESF aided Student Assistance Fund has been made available to CIT by the Department of Education and Skills.

GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE SAF

Applicants must be students registered with CIT participating on a third level course of not less than one-year duration leading to an under-graduate or post-graduate qualification. Resources will be targeted at students most in need. Applicants on the Back to Education Allowance, unemployed people, lone parents, and people with disabilities will also be considered.

1. Only students who are registered (fees paid or have a payment arrangement in place with the CIT Fees Office) can apply for assistance from the Student Assistance Fund.
2. Applications that are incomplete or missing supporting documentation will be returned to students. Documentation to support the claim must be included with the application. 
3. New applicants will be called to attend an interview with representatives from the Student Assistance Fund Committee to discuss the details of your application. Date/Time will be sent via text message to the number provided on the SAF application form. 
4. The SAF committee will consider applications on the basis of application form and evidence provided.  All applications will be treated confidentially.
5. Receipts will be required before each payment if students are successful in their application. RECEIPTS FIRST, PAYMENT AFTER
6. If approved for childcare assistance, only receipts from registered child minders are accepted.

This fund is not applicable for the following students

• ETB students
• Students on Springboard courses
• Students on Erasmus Programmes
• Postgraduate paid research students
• Students on paid work placement

Should you have any specific questions regarding a section of the form prior to submitting an application please email student.assistance@cit.ie

The Student Assistance Fund is funded by the Irish Government and part funded by the European Social Fund under the Human Capital Investment Operational Programme.

Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS)

The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) is the only free, confidential, independent and non-judgmental service for people in debt, or in danger of getting into debt, in Ireland. Our Helpline (0761 07 2000) operates Monday to Friday from 9am to 8pm. 

They are a national service with over 60 offices nationwide. For details of your nearest office, visit the Contact MABS area of our website (www.mabs.ie). The Citizens Information Board have statutory responsibility for MABS. MABS is funded and supported by the Citizens Information Board (www.citizensinformationboard.ie).

MABS works with clients by supporting them in drawing up realistic budgets and maximising their incomes.  MABS also supports clients in dealing with their debts according to their budgets. MABS does not give "financial advice" – we do not advise clients on investments or on specific financial products.  MABS also does not give out money.

Why do people contact MABS?
People often seek the help of MABS when:

• There are extra bills to pay because something has happened, such as being made redundant, an illness in the family, relationship difficulties or a bereavement
• They have no money left over to pay everyday bills
• The money coming into the household is less than it used to be, causing them to fall behind on loan repayments
• They have been living on a low income for a long time and are getting further and further behind because of the cost of mortgage, rent, medicines, childcare, travel etc.

Not being in control of your finances can be a difficult, lonely and sometimes desperate place to be. Financial difficulties can even affect your health and wellbeing. MABS’s experience is that financial difficulties can affect everyone, from high-income earners to people on low incomes. So if you are worried about money, you are not alone.In an always non-judgmental and confidential setting, MABS can aid people in regaining control of their finances by helping them to set up an affordable and sustainable budget.

Cork MABS
Unit 12
Penrose Wharf
Penrose Quay
Cork City

Tel: 0761 07 2090
Fax: 021 455 2078
Email: cork@mabs.ie