Government grants and allowances
As well as additional help from the government for students from lower income households, there are four other grants that you can apply for through the standard student finance package.
Please note: the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) includes dyslexia.
The Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA) is there to help with extra costs you may have as a result of undertaking your programme with a disability or learning difficulty. Eligible full-time and part-time students can apply, including distance-learning students.
If your programme is part-time, you must complete it in no longer than twice the time taken to complete an equivalent full-time course. Postgraduate students may also be able to receive DSA.
DSA is paid on top of the standard student finance package, and you do not have to repay this help.
Please note: the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) includes dyslexia.
Disabled Students' Allowances
Find out more about who can apply for DSA and what they cover.
The Adult Dependants' Grant can provide extra financial help if you are a full-time higher education student with an adult who depends on you financially. You do not have to repay this help. The grant is paid on top of the standard student finance package.
An adult dependant can include a partner (including a partner of the same sex if you began your programme in September 2005, or later), or another adult who depends on you financially. This will usually be a member of your family. However, you cannot count your grown-up son or daughter as adult dependants. The amount you can receive depends on your income and that of your dependants.
The Parents' Learning Allowance (PLA) is money to help you pay for programme-related costs such as books, materials and travel. It is paid on top of any standard student finance you may receive. You do not have to repay this help.
PLA is available if you are a full-time student with dependent children. You can apply whether or not you receive the Childcare Grant. The amount of allowance you can get will depend on your income and your dependants' income (for example, your spouse or partner's income).
PLA is usually paid in three instalments by Student Finance Direct, one at the start of each term at the same time as any student loan or other grants you receive.
The maximum allowance available for the academic year 2010–2011 is £1,508.
You can apply before or during your programme. On your main student finance application form, complete the section that asks about applying for extra help for students with children.
The Childcare Grant is money on top of the standard student finance package to help you pay for childcare costs while you are a full-time student. The amount you get will depend on your household income and your actual childcare costs. You do not have to repay this help.
The Childcare Grant is available if you are a full-time student and have dependent children in registered or approved childcare. Your childcare provider will be able to tell you if it is registered or approved and can show you written evidence of this, such as a letter or certificate.
The amount of Childcare Grant you can get will depend on your income and the income of your dependants. It is also based on the actual costs of your registered or approved childcare. It covers childcare costs during term times and holidays. You cannot get this grant if your spouse receives the childcare element of Working Tax Credit.
To apply for the Childcare Grant complete the section on your main student finance application form that asks about applying for extra help available for students with children.
Child tax credits
Child tax credits are assessed in the same way as other income-related benefits. You can apply by telephoning 0845 300 3900.
