Funding for parents and carers
This page outlines the extra support available to parents and carers.
Student Finance
If you’re a full-time undergraduate, you may be entitled to a higher Maintenance Loan if you’re a parent. This is called ‘Special Support’. The amount you can receive varies, depending on your household income and which national Student Finance service you apply to. You may get Special Support if either of the following apply while you’re on your course:
- You are a lone parent
- You have a partner who is also a full-time student, and either you, your partner, or both are parents
You can apply by providing either a child's birth certificate or proof of child-related benefits to your national Student Finance provider. Depending on your personal circumstances, you may also be eligible for the following:
Parents' Learning Allowance
If you’re a parent or have care of a child, you may also be eligible for a grant to help towards course-related costs. Your eligibility depends on your household income, and your partner’s if you have one. Find out if you're eligible.
Childcare Grant
Full-time undergraduate parents can also apply for help with childcare costs, this is called the Childcare Grant. It can cover up to 85% of your weekly costs. If you or your partner gets the childcare element of Working Tax Credit or Universal Credit, or Tax-Free Childcare from HM Revenue & Customs, you won't be able to get a Childcare Grant at the same time.
Adult Dependants' Grant
You may qualify If you have an adult dependant. Your eligibility depends on your age, marital status, and your household income. Find out if you're eligible.
Benefits
If you are a full-time student parent, you may be entitled to claim state benefits to help you financially support yourself during your studies. Most new applicants can apply for Universal Credit. You may be eligible if either of the following apply to you:
- You’re responsible for a child
- You live with your partner and they’re eligible for Universal Credit
Universal Credit is means-tested. This means that some of your student loan will count as income during term time. This also includes postgraduate funding. Your Tuition Fee Loan, some grants, and any Disabled Students’ Allowance are not classed as income. Your benefit entitlement does not affect your student finance entitlement.
If you receive a ‘legacy benefit’ such as Income Support, you will remain eligible – so long as you continue to meet the eligibility criteria.
Further help and support
If you need a helping hand figuring out your finances during your studies, our Student Money Team is here to help. We can advise on general benefits and funding entitlement as well as help you with budgeting and money management. In addition, our Student Support teams can offer a wealth of advice and guidance to help you get the best out of your time with us at NTU.