Being a student with additional responsibilities, such as having children, being a carer for a friend or family
member, or having an adult which depends on you financially can bring additional financial challenges during
your time at university.
However, it may mean that you are eligible for some additional financial support. Most of this support is only
available to students who are entitled to access public funds.
Students with Children or Dependent Adults
If you are single and have dependent children, you may be eligible for some Universal Credit even whilst
you study. You
can use the government’s website to find out whether you are eligible, what you could
get, and how to
make an
application. Find
specific GOV.UK guidance on claiming Universal Credit if you’re a student.
If you are already receiving Universal Credit prior to enrolling upon your course at university,
you must immediately report a
change of circumstances to ensure that you do not receive an overpayment which could
significantly
financially impact you. This is because Universal Credit counts student loans for maintenance
and any grants
within your household income so this may impact the amount of Universal Credit that you are
eligible for.
If you are a student with children or dependent adults, you may be eligible
for additional funding from Student Finance.
- If you have children under 15 (or under 17 if they have special educational needs) and are
in full-time
higher education, you may be eligible for a Childcare Grant. Find out what you could
get, whether
you are eligible, and how to make an
application.
- If you are a student in England on a full-time undergraduate or Initial Teacher Training
(ITT) course, and
your household income is below £18,739.99 per year, you may be eligible for Parents Learning
Allowance.
Find out what you
could get, whether you are
eligible, and how to make
an
application.
- If you are a full-time student in higher education and an adult depends on you financially,
you may be
eligible for an Adult
Dependants’
Grant. Find out what you could get, whether you are eligible, and how to make an
application.
You can find a summary of much of this information here.
Students with Caring Responsibilities
If you are a young adult carer, the University offers a significant amount of support – including the Fair Access Scheme, a Carers community,
and additional support such as through Success Coaches, Academic Personal Tutors, or the University’s Health and
Wellbeing Team.
If you care for someone at least 35 hours a week and they are in receipt of certain
benefits, you may be eligible for Carer’s
Allowance (but only if you are on a part-time course – students on full-time courses are
not eligible
for Carer’s Allowance). You do not have to be related to, or live with, the person that you care
for. Please
note however that Carer’s Allowance can have an impact
on other
benefits. If you believe you are eligible, and
have considered the impacts that it may have on other benefits and have
decided that it is financially beneficial, you can find out how to make a claim.
You must ensure that you report
any changes in your circumstances as soon as possible.
If you are a carer and over 18, you may wish to have a Carer’s Assessment to see what help is available that may make your life
as a carer
easier. This will include a financial assessment to decide if the council will help pay towards care
costs.
Many people are eligible for Council Tax discounts, including many carers who live
with the person that they care for. Apply for a council tax discount here.
The person that you care for may also be eligible for some benefits based on their circumstances.
How can Your Advice Service help you?
We can help you in assessing what additional funding that you may be eligible for, or in writing and submitting
an application for any of the funding mentioned above.
You can contact us by completing an Enquiry Form. Please outline what funding you believe that you may be
eligible for and what support that you need (assessing eligibility or making an application) on your enquiry
form.