Financial Help for Students with Dependants

There is a range of extra help available for full-time students who have a child or adult dependant; this financial assistance is paid in addition to the standard student finance package.

Childcare Grant

This non-repayable grant is available to full-time students with children in registered or approved childcare. The amount available is dependent upon the student's level of income and the income of their household and how many children they have in childcare. If eligible, parents can receive up to 85% of their actual childcare costs. The maximum available in 2006/07 is £148.75 per week for one child and £255 per week for two or more children.

Parents' Learning Allowance

The Parents' Learning Allowance is a non-repayable grant designed to help parents with course-related costs, such as books, materials and travel. The amount available is dependent upon the student's level of income and the income of their household. If eligible, parents can receive up to £1,400 a year.

Adult Dependants' Grant

Full-time students who have an adult that depends on them financially may be entitled to the Adult Dependants' Grant. An adult dependant can include a partner or another adult (usually a family member) who is financially dependent on them. (Note: adult dependents do not include grown-up children).

The amount available is dependent upon the student's level of income and the income of their household. The maximum grant in 2006/07 is £2,455.

Applying for Help

Full-time students can apply for any of these grants at the same time as they apply for the Student Loan for Maintenance and the Maintenance or Special Support Grants. If successful, Student Finance Direct will pay the money into the student's bank account in three instalments - one at the start of each term.