UK Government - Special support grant (non repayable)

What the Special Support Grant gives you

For a full-time bachelor’s degree programme, you will receive non-repayable living-cost grant. ‘Non-repayable’ means that you will never have to pay this amount back. This grant replaces the standard maintenance grant for students who receive means-tested state benefits whilst studying. The amount depends on your household income and where you live. Student Finance Northern Ireland pays up to around 357 euros per year (up to £3,569 if your household income is £19,203 or below). Student Finance Wales pays this amount as part of a wider package of grants and loans to cover living costs. It does not reduce the maintenance loan that you may take out in addition to this. Nor is it counted as income when your social security benefits or tax credits are calculated. You will receive the money in three instalments paid directly into your bank account, at the start of each semester. This is a UK Government scheme administered by ‘Student Finance Wales’ and ‘Student Finance Northern Ireland’, not a grant from UWE Bristol.

Who can apply

• Where you live: You usually live in Wales (apply via Student Finance Wales) or in Northern Ireland (Student Finance Northern Ireland).
• Degree: You are a full-time undergraduate student.
• Subject: Any subject is fine.
• Benefits status: You are entitled to means-tested state benefits whilst you are studying. This applies, for example, to single parents with a dependent child or to students who are entitled to the ‘Personal Independence Payment’ (PIP) or the ‘Disability Living Allowance’ (DLA).
• Household income: In Northern Ireland, you receive the full amount up to a household income of £19,203,, a partial amount up to £41,065,, and nothing above that.

How to apply

You do not need to apply for this grant separately. You apply for it as part of your general application for student finance to ‘Student Finance Wales’ or ‘Student Finance Northern Ireland’. The application period for a September start date usually begins in March. You can still submit your application up to nine months after the start of the academic year.

How realistic are your chances?

This is an entitlement, not a competition. If you live in Wales or Northern Ireland, are studying full-time and are already eligible for the means-tested benefits to which this grant relates, you will receive it. The only, very specific requirement is your benefit status, so the eligible group is small and clearly defined. If this applies to you, apply for the grant via the usual student finance process, and the amount of the grant will be calculated automatically.