Making the decision to go to university when you have caring responsibilities for children can be challenging.
At Aston, we welcome and celebrate our diverse student body. If you're in the process of applying for Student Finance, please contact the Student Funding and Advice Team to speak to a Student Adviser. We can help you with further information or assistance and guidance with your funding application.
- Student Finance England Grants
Parents Learning Allowance
Your eligibility for this non-repayable grant is assessed on your household income. The allowance of up to £1,963 is awarded to full-time undergraduates with dependent children for course related costs.Childcare Grant
You may receive this means-tested grant if your dependent children are in Ofsted registered and approved childcare. The grant may cover up to 85% of your childcare costs. To make an application for the Childcare Grant you will need to complete a separate CCG1 form. The grant is a maximum of £193.62 per week if you have one child and a maximum £331.95 per week if you have more than one child. If you already receive the childcare element of Working Tax Credit your eligibility for the Childcare Grant ceases. This grant is paid directly to your childcare provider.Adult Dependents' Grant
You can apply for an additional non-repayable grant of up to £3,438 if your partner, or another adult living with you, is financially dependent on you.- Benefits & Tax Credits
Child Benefit
You will qualify for Child Benefit if you have financial responsibility for dependent children. You will also qualify if you care for a young person under 20 who is in full-time education that is below degree level.Child Tax Credit
You will qualify for this Inland Revenue payment if you have financial responsibility for dependent children. You will also qualify if you care for a young person under 20 who is in full-time education that is below degree level. The amount you will receive is made up from different elements that depend on your family circumstances and your income.Income Support
If you are a single parent with the caring responsibilities for a child under the age of 5 who lives with you, Income Support may be available during the summer vacations (July and August). To qualify you must be a continuing student (returning to continue your course after the vacation period). During term time your Student Finance will be taken into account in the benefit assessment which may cancel out your eligibility for Income Support during this time.Housing Benefit
As a single parent you have an underlying eligibility for Housing Benefit. As with Income Support, during term time your student funding will be taken into account and may cancel out or reduce your entitlement.