When can I expect my first grant payment?

Payments commence in October, with nine instalments made until June. Dates can be found on www.susi.ie/payments. The money will be paid directly into your bank account.

What's the difference between the adjacent rate and the non-adjacent rate?

The adjacent rate is paid to students who live 45km or less from the college, while the non-adjacent rate applies to everyone else. The gap between the two rates can be quite significant. For example, the full non-adjacent grant is €3,025 but its adjacent equivalent is €1,215 - a difference of €1,810.

SUSI is very strict when it comes to the distance threshold from college - even if your home is 200 metres outside the limit, it's not possible to qualify for the non-adjacent rate. SUSI calculates the distance by using Google Maps and AA Route Planner. Where a difference occurs, they average both distances.

Do I still have to pay a registration fee if I qualify for a grant?

If you are eligible for a student grant, SUSI will pay your registration fee to the college.

My parent's income threshold falls slightly above SUSI's threshold, which means I don't qualify for a grant. Is there any way I can appeal the decision?

The thresholds for receiving a student grant are based on the 2012 household income or the distance your home is from college. There is no flexibility available in their interpretation.

However, the student grant scheme does allow for permanent change in circumstances that may occur in 2013 and up to end of the academic year, such as the household income falling. Contact the SUSI's support desk on (076) 1087874 or visit www.susi.ie/change-of-circumstances for more information.

Is there any way I can monitor my application?

This year the self-service tracker system allows all applicants to check their position within the SUSI process. The tracker is updated daily and can be found once you log into your account.

Will SUSI accept applications past the deadline?

Following the crash of the website last week, SUSI extended the deadline for online applications to August 5. Though this date has passed, SUSI will still accept late submissions. Visit www.susi.ie or call their support desk on (076) 1087874.

Do PLC students qualify for the grant?

Maintenance grants are available for approved PLC courses, but colleges and applicants must meet a certain criteria to qualify. The list of approved courses is available from your local Education and Training Board (formerly VEC).

What happens if I don't like my course and leave? Will I qualify for a grant next year?

This is important. If you change course and go into another one the following year or repeat, you will not receive a student grant for one year. However, if you change course and go into year two of a different course you will continue to receive student grant support.

I have been approved for a grant but I've decided not to go to college next year as I have found a new course I prefer over the ones I've listed on my CAO form. Will I have to reapply for a grant next year?

Yes, as the offer was for the 2013/14 academic year.

I will be studying abroad. Can I still get the grant?

This is a complicated area. SUSI will not cover student fees in foreign institutes, but will award maintenance grants to students of undergraduate courses in a publicly funded third-level institution in another EU member state.

How can I appeal a decision made by SUSI?

Appeals must be made 30 days after receiving a decision from SUSI. Visit www.susi.ie/appeals to download the appeals form. Students can ask SUSI to look at an application again as a result of change of circumstances, and to review the adjacent/non-adjacent rate or eligibility for special rate.

I don't think I was treated fairly by SUSI. Can I lodge a complaint?

The Ombudsman will take any complaints about SUSI. Contact the office on (01) 6395600 or email ombudsman@ombudsman.gov.ie. You can also visit www.ombudsman.gov.ie/en/make-a-complaint to learn more about the process of making a complaint.

What are postgraduate students entitled to?

Maintenance grants are no longer paid to postgraduate students. However, students may qualify for a contribution of €2,000 or special rate of up to €6,270 to pay for tuition fees.

I won't get the grant until October, but will need extra money for rent and new books in September. What can I do?

It's possible to receive some money from the Student Assistance Fund. You will have to apply through the college, present documentation to prove your eligibility, and meet with a member of staff in college to discuss your request. But it's still not guaranteed that you will receive support through the fund. Contact the access office or Students' Union in your college for more information.

•Have a question that hasn't been answered? Email Aisling on ahussey@farmersjournal.ie