To ask the Minister for Communities what steps she is taking to support and help students that are unable to meet full rent costs and are trapped in accommodation contracts.

The main source of support for students facing genuine financial hardship is the Department for Economy led Student Hardship Fund which is allocated to the local Higher Education Institutions (HEI) for distribution to students who can demonstrate genuine financial hardship. Each HEI is responsible for assessing student’s need and issuing support within the guidelines of the scheme.

Any students who may be experiencing financial hardship, should contact their Higher Education Institution to determine if they are eligible to receive support.