This page features information on the Parent's Learning Allowance (PLA) for 2008/09.
Background
We help with course-related costs for students who have dependent children. How much depends on your income and that of your dependants (including your husband, wife or partner).
Jobcentre Plus/Social Security and Housing Benefit departments will not count this grant when they work out your benefit entitlement for 2008/09.
Eligibility
Full-time students with dependent children. This is an income-assessed grant and is not repayable.
Levels of support
Up to £1,470 a year.
Applying for this allowance
Section 9 of the PN1 form (available from your education establishment or the Student Access and Support Team) should be fully completed.
How is this allowance paid?
The grant will be paid in three instalments, from the Student Loans Company, with your loan. You will not have to repay this help.
Extra information
Students with dependent children are able to apply for Child Tax Credit (CTC) from the Inland Revenue. Students who are receiving CTC and have been calculated by the Inland Revenue as having an income of less than £14,495 (but not receiving Working Tax Credit) may be entitled to free school meals.
To find out about CTC go to the Inland Revenue website (see the 'Other websites' section on this page) or telephone 0800 500 222.
Childcare grants for students 2008/09
The Childcare Grant is for full-time students with dependent children in registered or approved childcare. You cannot get this grant if you or your spouse/partner receive the childcare element of the Working Tax Credit from the Inland Revenue.
This grant is not available to NHS bursary holders.
Support is available
How much help you get will depend on your circumstances (such as your household income).
- For one child - up to £148.75 a week (85% of actual costs of up to £170 per week) throughout the year
- For two or more children - up to £255.00 per week (85% of actual costs of up to £300.00) throughout the year
The grant is paid in three instalments with your maintenance loan and other grants such as Parents Learning Allowance (PLA). You do not have to repay this grant.
Applying for the childcare grant
Form CCG1 'Application for help with childcare costs' must be completed by yourself and your childcare provider.
You will need to estimate the childcare costs for the forthcoming year and the LEA will pay the grant provisionally on the basis of the information provided.
Form CCG2 'Confirmation of childcare costs' will have to be completed three times throughout the academic year and sent in with proof of your costs by each of the following dates:
- 7th November 2007 - this form should confirm payments you made each week between 1st September 2007 and 29th October 2007
- 10th February 2007 - this form should confirm payments you made each week between 27th October 2007 and 26th January 2008
- 11th September 2007 - this form should confirm payments you made each week between 27th January 2008 and 31st August 2007 (we may ask for this form earlier (26th July 2007) if you do not pay for childcare in your long vacation or if this is your final year)
If you do not return this form by the due dates you may be asked to repay your childcare grant.
Adult Dependent's Grant 2008/09
This is for full-time students with adult dependants. If you have a partner (including a partner of the same sex if you began your course in 2005/06 or after) or another adult, usually a member of your family, who depends on you financially, you may be eligible.
Levels of support
We can provide up to £2,575 a year, depending on your income and that of your adult dependant.
This assistance does not have to be repaid.
Applying for this grant
Section 9 of Form PN1 should be fully completed. Available from your education establishment or from South Gloucestershire's Student Access and Support Team at:
South Gloucestershire Council
Riverside Court
Bowling Hill
Chipping Sodbury
BS37 6JX
For further information and to contact the Student Access and Support Team, phone the Children and Young People Information Service on 01454 868008 or email educ.grants@southglos.gov.uk