Money while studying
The following are just some of the schemes available to help make ends meet.
| Name of scheme: | EMA - Education Maintenance Allowance |
| Open to: | 16 year olds after GCSEs |
| Eligible courses: | Academic or vocational courses that involve at least 12 hours guided learning each week. |
| Amount available: | Up to £30 a week – with chances of a £100 bonus to reward good performance. |
| Helpline: | 0808 101 6219 |
| For more info: | www.dfes.gov.uk/financialhelp/ |
| Name of scheme: | Care to Learn |
| Open to: | Parents under the age of 20 (Fathers are also eligible, if they are the main carer) |
| Eligible courses: | Learning or training in a school, college or as a trainee with a work based learning provider that receives some public funding. |
| Amount available: | Up to £170 towards childcare costs and travel. |
| Helpline: | 0845 600 2809 |
| For m ore info: | www.dfes.gov.uk/caretolearn/ |
| Name of scheme: | Learner Support Fund |
| Open to: | Aged 16+ [Different Colleges and Universities set their own eligibility rules].
Priority will be given to those who are economically or socially disadvantaged. |
| Eligible courses: | Part-time or full-time courses. |
| Amount available: | Dependent on outcome of application. |
| Helpline: | 0800 100 900 |
| For m ore info: | Contact your LEA or Learning Provider |
| Name of scheme: | Child Benefit (Given to Family) |
| Open to: | Under 19’s (under 20 in some cases). |
| Eligible courses: | Full-time non-advanced education (A level or equivalent) or on an approved training programme. |
| Amount available: | Up to £17.45 a week. |
| Helpline: | - |
| For m ore info: | www.direct.gov.uk |
If you’re in work, but want some qualifications up your sleeve, you could try the Right to Time Off for Study.
The right to time off for study or training is designed to help 16-17 year olds who got few, if any, qualifications when they were at school and are now employed in jobs that offer little or no training.
It gives the right to paid time off work to study or train for approved qualifications.
For more information visit www.dfes.gov.uk/tfst.
Each of these schemes has their own selection criteria and rules for applying. So if you need any advice on Money, just drop into the Attic at Hounslow Library in the Treaty Centre and speak to a connexions PA.
