SUSI reckonable income and max pension contributions

[lastars]

Hi all.

I hope this is posted in the correct forum.

In 2026 I will max my employee contributions for my age- 25%.
In 2027 I will apply for the Susi grant for a masters.
Gross pay will be 38k next year. It's an occupational pension.

I have spoked to a few Susi staff who are very vague about the reckonable income calculation.
Has anyone on this forum qualified for Susi after maxing their pension contribution?
As I will be paying 25% of my wage into a pension will this be seen as money that could have been saved towards College fees?

It's a large amount for a full 12 months and will require budgeting on my part, would this allow me to get the full grant the following year?

I will be progressing in my studies and I'll be living over 100k from the university . I didn't receive Suzi for my undergrad.
I am lucky to have low rent in the private rental market, renting alone - so am in the best position to max my pension contributions.

Many thanks.

 

[Farma1]

Edited as my advice was incorrect and correct answer show below

 

[ClubMan]

as far as I can understand its your "gross income" that they base the SUSI on, whether you choose to put it into your pension or not is irrelevant. If your gross income is 38K then that's what it is used in the calculation

Not true.

SUSI Income

How does income affect my eligibility for a grant?

www.susi.ie

Further deductions can be made, as follows:

• ...
• contributions to pension schemes and pension or retirement products, paid in the reference period only, within the limits allowed by Revenue.
• ...

 

[ClubMan]

Has anyone on this forum qualified for Susi after maxing their pension contribution?

Why don't you use the current calculator to get an idea of if/how you might qualify for a grant based on your figures?
You won't know for sure until you actually apply but that will give you some idea.

SUSI Eligibility Indicator - Get Started

 

[ClubMan]

I have spoked to a few Susi staff who are very vague about the reckonable income calculation

I'm not sure why that was when the relevant info is set out on the website:

SUSI Income

How does income affect my eligibility for a grant?

www.susi.ie

 

[Towger]

They take pension contributions into account to reduce Gross Pay. The gotcha is their 'reference period' is different from Revenue's. In short, they use the date paid while Revenue allow you to offset it against the previous tax year.