Support Funds in Northern Ireland help students with bills

Students that are faced with a hardship can apply for help from their local Support Fund. This is provided as a grant programme for both part and full-time participants, and most colleges and universities in Northern Ireland have this form of aid. Other people may able be able to get assistance, including postgraduate students and undergrads.

Each college has their own application process and eligibility standards, so student need to talk to a specialist at their university. All centres of higher education need to offer this type of support in the local community. In general, a Support Fund will help youth that do not have the cash from other loans or grant programmes, but they are still struggling to pay the bills on time and have no where else to turn. The fund is intended to prevent people from giving up on their courses and keep them in university.

The money will normally be used for paying unexpected expenses, such as for the repair of a car or emergency travel. Depending on the school, they may provide an award for everyday living costs, such as housing or childcare costs. So the specific bills covered by the fund will vary.

Students with a medical need or disability can often get financial help from the Northern Ireland Support Scheme as well. This is the case if it will take them more time to complete their course work, and the fund may help with their bills and expenses associated for their medical need during that time frame.

A major benefit of the fund is that it can be combined with other financing that may be provided by the government or not-for-profits, such as loans, bursaries or other assistance. Colleges will in fact require the student to apply for those other forms of financial support before they will award a grant from their hardship fund. Since it is not a substitute, the different types of financial aid can make a big difference in helping students that are facing an emergency.

The cash can be paid out in installments too, and this both benefits the university as well as the student, as it can negate the need for budgeting. The funds will also tend to last longer when installments are made.

Application process for Support Funds

Each college and university will review the application, and the student services department will have more information on the process. The department will assess the request and base any grants to be paid on the applicant’s merit. In some cases, the university will provide additional loans as a form of support to the student.

They will review income, outgoings, savings, and any other loans the student has. Copies of bank statements as well as tenancy agreements will be needed, as well as letters from Student Finance NI showing any other financing that the person has. The application team will interview the applicant and make any determination on awards.

Priority is normally for the low income that struggle with their bills. Another focus is on lone parents, the homeless, and older people that are going back to college. As noted, people with a disability will often benefit from the Hardship Funds too.

Drop in at the student services department at a local college. The application should be submitted before coursework starts, and before the hardship becomes even worse.