Student Finance England - Parents' Learning Allowance

Parents' Learning Allowance

You will receive a grant of between £50 and £2,024 per academic year (about 58 to 2,360 EUR) if you are studying full-time and have children who are financially dependent on you. The exact amount depends on your household income, which consists of your own income and that of your partner. You will receive the full amount if your household income is below £18,957.99 (approximately 22,100 EUR) per year. The money will be paid directly into your bank account in up to 3 instalments per year, along with your other student finance payments. You do not have to repay the amount, and it will not affect your social security benefits or tax credits. This grant is provided by Student Finance England, the government body responsible for student finance in England.

Who can apply

• Where you live: You live in England. Applicants of any nationality can apply, provided they live and study there.
• Children: You have at least one child who is financially dependent on you. You do not need to pay for childcare to be eligible.
• Study type: You are a full-time undergraduate student or are taking courses totalling at least 120 credits in the year of your application.
• Field of study: Any subject.
• Income: To receive the full grant, your household income must be below £18,957.99 (approximately 22,100 EUR) per year. If it is above this amount, you will receive a lower amount.
• Other funding: You have applied for student finance from Student Finance England or are already receiving it. You are not eligible for this funding if you are receiving a postgraduate loan.

How to apply

Apply for the grant online via the Student Finance England portal as part of your regular application for student finance. There is no separate form at your university. Submit your application within nine months of the start of the academic year and reapply each academic year.

How realistic are your chances?

This is not an award granted on a competitive basis. It is a means-tested benefit; therefore, if you meet the eligibility criteria, you will receive it without being compared with other applicants. The amount of the grant depends on your household income; the full amount of £2,024 is paid to those whose income falls below the income threshold. Please apply for the grant early within the nine-month period. You will also need proof that your child is financially dependent on you, such as a recent Universal Credit decision or tax credit statements.