UK Student Finance
An A-Z of Student Finance

Childcare Grant

If you are a full-time student with dependent children, you may be entitled to help from the Childcare Grant and Parents’ Learning Allowance. This extra finance can help pay for childcare and other costs related to your course.

The Childcare Grant is money to help you pay for childcare costs while you are a full-time student. The amount you get will depend on your household income and your actual childcare costs. You do not have to repay this help.

The Childcare Grant is paid on top of the standard student finance package.

Are You Eligible?

The Childcare Grant is available if you:

·        are a full-time student

·        have dependent children in ‘registered’ or ‘approved’ childcare

‘Registered’ childcare means that the provider is registered with the Office for Standards in Education. Only Childcare for children under eight has to be registered.

‘Approved’ childcare is childcare for children aged between eight and 14 (up to age 16 if the child is disabled), where the provider has been quality approved by an accredited organisation.

Your childcare provider will be able to tell you if it is registered or approved, and can show you written evidence of this such as a letter or certificate.

How Much Can You Claim?

The amount of Childcare Grant you can get will depend on your income and the income of your dependants. It is also based on the actual costs of your registered or approved childcare. It covers childcare costs during term times and holidays.
 

Maximum amounts available:
 

Parents’ Learning Allowance

The Parents’ Learning Allowance is money to help you pay for course-related costs such as books, materials and travel. It is paid on top of any standard student finance you may receive. You do not have to repay this help.

Are You Eligible?

The Parents’ Learning Allowance is available if you are a full-time student with dependent children. You can apply whether or not you receive the Childcare Grant.

How Much Can You Claim?

The amount of Parents’ Learning Allowance you can get will depend on your income and your dependants’ income (for example, your spouse or partner’s income)

·        maximum amount in 2007/2008: £1,435 a year

·        maximum amount in 2006/2007: £1,400 a year

How Do You Get Paid?

The Childcare Grant and Parents' Learning Allowance are usually paid in three instalments, one at the start of each term. Student Finance Direct will pay the Childcare Grant and Parents’ Learning Allowance to you at the same time as any student loan or other grants you receive.

How to Apply

You can apply before or during your course. On the main student finance application, complete the section that asks about applying for extra help for students with children.

Impact on Other Benefits

Jobcentre Plus and Housing Benefit departments will not count the Childcare Grant or Parents’ Learning Allowance when working out your entitlement to benefits.

However, you will not be able to receive the Childcare Grant if you or your spouse or partner get the childcare element of the Working Tax Credit.
 

 

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