Students With Children Or A Dependant

Students with dependant children may claim a grant towards registered childcare costs and the Parents' Learning allowance.

Students are also eligible to apply for Child Tax Credit (see relevant section below) from the Inland Revenue.

You will receive this as extra support in addition to your main student funding

Parent's Learning Allowance (PLA)

This wil be paid to all students with one or more dependant children and is subject to the dependant's income. it is designed to help with course related costs, and the maximum amount available is £1,435.

Dependant's income can be payments made under a covenant, pension from a deceased parent, unit trusts and bonds, bank interest, etc. If your child or adult dependant receives any income which you think may be classed as income or are unsure about whether to declare it as income, you should contact the Advice Unit for further clarification.

Important note: Jobcentre Plus (The Benefits Agency) will disregard any PLA payment when working out your entitlement to benefits during 2007-2008. If you are unclear about your eligibility, you should contact the Advice Unit as soon as possible on 01204 900850.

Students With Adult Dependants 

If you have a husband, wife, partner or another adult member of your family who is financially dependent on you, then you may be eligible to receive this grant. The LEA will look at your income and your adult dependent's income. The maximum amount available is £2,510.

Childcare grant 

The Childcare Grant is paid to full time students with dependant children who are using apporoved or registered childcare. Your LEA will assess how much you are entitled to but it will be paid by the SLC in three instalments.

For 1 child: if you pay up to £135 a week then you can receive up to £114.75 a week based on 85% of actual costs - maximum of £175 per week actual cost.

For 2 or more children: if you pay up to £200 a week then you can receive up to £170 a week based on 85% of actual costs - maximum of £300 per week actual cost.

Please note: The student must make up any shortfall, it will not be possible to apply to the University for help with extra childcare costs. You cannot get this grant if you claim or are in receipt of the childcare element of the Working Tax Credit. You will be asked on the application form about childcare needs. Ensure that you answer this question if you are using registered childcare.

Job Centre Plus (The Benefits Agency) will disregard any Childcare payment when working out your entitlement to benefits during 2007-2008. If you are unclear about your eligibility you should contact the Advice Unit as soon as possible on 01204 900850.

If you are concerned about the level of funding you have received and would like further advice and information, please contact the Advice Unit as soon as possible on 01204900850.