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You may find that being a full-time or part-time student affects whether or not you get childcare funding, so check this with the university or benefits offices.
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What about grants?
A number of government loans and grants are available from your Local Education Authority (LEA). To find out the latest information about these loans and grants, to find out what you are eligible for and to get application forms contact your Local Education Authority.
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The Childcare Grant is available for students who have dependent children and a low household income. How much help you get will depend on your income. Jobcentre Plus and the Inland Revenue will not count this grant when working out your benefit or tax credit entitlement. This financial support does not have to be paid back and is only available to full-time students with dependent children in registered and Ofsted approved childcare.
If you study full-time and have dependent children, you may be eligible for the Parents Learning Allowance - this money does not have to be repaid, and could be used in addition to the Childcare Grant depending on individual circumstances.
Full-time students, and some part-time students, who have severe financial difficulty during study may apply to their university for Access funds. The university allocates this government money, usually as a grant to help with living and course-related expenses, and sometimes for travel or childcare costs. There is no guarantee that you will get a grant, but if you are struggling financially, and can show proof, you may be awarded some money that does not have to be repaid.
A few courses have funds set aside for childcare costs, so if you are a student on one of those courses you can apply for help.
Can I get benefits?
Student parents may be eligible to apply for benefits including:
- Working Tax Credit, for those working 16 hours or more per week as well as studying.
- Income Support, for people on low incomes.
- Housing Benefit, for people on low incomes but above the Income Support threshold.
- Child Tax Credit, for those over 16 with one or more child.
Are loans Available?
Student Loans have to be repaid once you have completed the course, but the repayment rate is directly linked to your income so that you can afford easy monthly repayments. You only start to repay your student loan once your income reaches a threshold limit of about £15,000 per year. If your income remains below the threshold limit you do not have to make any repayments.
Career development loans have to be repaid once the course is over, but the money can be used to pay for childcare.
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