Additional Support for Student Parents
The maximum amount of Supplementary Grants you are entitled to will differ depending on whether you are applying to Student Finance Wales or Student Finance England for your funding.
| Supplementary Grant | Student Finance Wales | Student Finance England |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare Grant (1 Child) | £179.62/week | £179.62/week |
| Childcare Grant (2 or More children) | £307.95/week | £307.95/week |
| Parental Learning Allowance | £1821/year | £1821/year |
| Adult Dependant Grant | £3190/year | £3190/year |
Childcare Grant
You can apply for the Childcare Grant if you are a full-time undergraduate student and at the beginning of the academic year you:
- Are a UK student
- Have at least one dependent child under 15 and in registered or approved childcare; or
- Have at least one dependent child under 17, who has special educational needs and is in registered or approved childcare.
Depending on your household income, you can apply for up to 85% of your actual childcare costs during term time and holidays. Students applying for the Childcare Grant will need to complete a CCG1 form in order to apply, followed by a CCG2 form later in the year, which evidences the actual cost of the childcare you have utilised.
Parental Learning Allowance
You can apply for the Parental Learning Allowance if you are a full-time undergraduate student with dependent children. This allowance helps with the extra costs associated with being a parent and a student. You do not need to be paying childcare to be eligible.
The amount you can get depends on your household income, which is the income of your husband, wife, civil partner or partner (if you have one) and any dependants. Students will need to apply to their main funding provider (e.g. Student Finance Wales). It will be assessed based on the information you’ve given in your main application for student funding but Student Finance may require more evidence to support your application.
Adult Dependants’ Grant
You can apply for the Adult Dependants’ Grant if you are a full-time undergraduate student and have an adult who depends on you financially. The adult can be a partner or another adult who depends on you financially. Grown-up children do not qualify as adult dependants.
The amount you can get depends on your household income, which is the income of your husband, wife, civil partner or partner (if you have one) and any dependants. Students will need to apply to their main funding provider (e.g. Student Finance Wales). It will be assessed based on the information you have given in your main application but Student Finance may ask for more evidence to support your application.
How are Supplementary Grants paid?
Usually in three instalments, one at the start of each term directly into your back account, along with any other maintenance funding (loan and grant) you receive.
Benefits
Most full-time students cannot claim income-related benefits but you may be able to claim if you are a single parent, have a partner who is also a student (and one or both of you are responsible for a child), or if you have a disability.
If you have a partner who is not a student and they are eligible for any income-related benefits, your partner can claim on behalf of you both.
Child Benefit - www.gov.uk/child-benefit/overview
Once your child is born, you should apply for Child Benefit. If you or your partner earn individually over £50,000, you may have to pay a tax charge. Even if your income is too high you should still apply to ensure you receive your National Insurance Contributions.
You should apply within 3 months of the birth to ensure you receive your full entitlement.
Child Tax Credit & Working Tax Credit - www.gov.uk/child-tax-credit
You may also be entitled to Child Tax Credit if you (or your partner) have at least one dependent child, your income is below a certain level and you meet the residency tests set by legislation.
You may be entitled to Working Tax Credit if you (or your partner) are responsible for a child and work at least 16 hours per week, and your income is below a certain level, and you meet the residency tests set by legislation.
Housing Benefit - www.gov.uk/housing-benefit/overview
If you are currently in rented accommodation, you may be able to apply for Housing Benefit. If you are a single parent or a couple who are both full time students, it is advised you apply for Housing Benefit. It is means tested so there is no guarantee you will receive an award but a large percentage of students do receive some help.
Income Support & Jobseekers Allowance
Lone student parents with a child under 5 years of age are able to apply for Income Support during the summer vacation. Lone parents or one parent in a student couple who have at least one dependent child may be eligible to claim Job Seekers Allowance during the summer vacation if they are available to work. Please speak to the Money@CampusLife team for more information.
Council Tax - www.gov.uk/council-tax
Full time students are not liable to pay council tax. If you are a single parent, living with your child/ren you will receive a 100% discount. However if you live in a household with 1 adult who is liable to pay council tax you will receive only a 25% reduction in your council tax.
To obtain a letter for Council Tax discount please contact My Uni Hub