Childcare allowance for full time students?

Question

I'm going into my 4th year of college, is there a childcare grant available from the Irish government for full time students? Its 600euro a month for full time childcare!!!! There's no way i can afford it otherwise.

Answer 1

Not for childcare no.

There are the general student grants you can apply fro and get at the start of the year. You need to apply to your local authority fro those (often before the end of August).

The amount you get depends on your income (and if you're married your spouses). If you're a lone parent you may be entitled to more. You are free to use the money for childcare.

You should go to your local welfare office and talk to them.

Ring your county council and ask about the higher education grant or the forms should be on their site. The forms usually have to be in before August 31st.

Answer 2

I had to use my student loan to pay my sons childcare...in the college nursery as i found that if you have a grant it actually changes your 'amount earnt' and therefor benefits and things you are entitled to change and it works out that you'd be better off payng for yourself than having a grant