Separated - what grant for daughter going to college

Hi
I'm currently separated from my husband and at the start of discussions regarding legal separation, settlement etc. One thing that is looming is our daughter is going to sit L.C. in 2012 and hopefully go to college.

Does anyone know what sort of grant she would be liable to get? I'm currently in receipt of OPFP and half rate Illness benefit (which I think is stopping soon). I have 3 children in total and she is the eldest. She would have to travel some distance to university so may need to live on or near campus.

What way would any savings be taken into account? I am very worried that I will make a settlement with husband and then college costs will be large and he won't contribute. I'm trying to get a handle on what I or my daughter would be entitled to.

Any information would be really appreciated. thanks so much : )

Most, if not all, the information you are looking for can be found here

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/e...emes_for_students_on_third_level_courses.html

For students getting the non-adjacent rate of maintenance grant (€3,120) the top-up is €2,980, bringing the total grant amount to €6,100.

In our situation where there is OPFP being received by myself, and we are further than 45KM from university, looks like my daughter may get this top-up.

I cannot find any information regarding how savings are treated? How are these assesed for grants?

Has anyone had experience of applying for grant and special extra allowance? I've never heard of that before. It would make a big difference if she had that money to cover accommodation, transport etc.