London Borough of Brent Children and Young People's Service Leaving Care Financial Support 2019 - 2020 Categories and Entitlements - Guide for ...

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London Borough of Brent Children and Young People's Service Leaving Care Financial Support 2019 - 2020 Categories and Entitlements - Guide for ...
London Borough of Brent
Children and Young People’s Service

     Leaving Care Financial Support
                       2019 – 2020
       Categories and Entitlements

                  Guide for Care Leavers
London Borough of Brent Children and Young People's Service Leaving Care Financial Support 2019 - 2020 Categories and Entitlements - Guide for ...
Young People’s Guide on Financial Entitlements 2019/2020

Introduction

This financial guide gives you the information on all aspects of eligibility for financial support available from
Brent Children and Young People’s Service. The guide sets out the type and amount of allowances that you
are entitled to receive based on your status and circumstances.

The figures given refer to the financial year April 2019 – March 2020 and will be updated on an annual
basis.

Eligibility

For the purpose of this document, entitlement to services is based on the following categories:

    •   Former relevant young people are young people aged between 18 to 25 years old.

Notes and Implementation Issues

    •   The financial policy has been produced following consultation with care leavers, foster carers, social
        care staff and other professionals

    •   The allowances set out in the following sections apply to all ‘Former Relevant’ and ‘Qualifying’
        young people dependent on their legal/immigration status and an assessment of their needs. If
        you are a Care leaver who is also unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, you are entitled to the
        same allowances as any other care leaver. However, allowances to you on may be affected as a
        result of your immigration status.

    •   Your personal advisor will be there to advise and assist you and will map out what financial support
        we can offer in your pathway plan.

                                                                                                               Page 1
London Borough of Brent Children and Young People's Service Leaving Care Financial Support 2019 - 2020 Categories and Entitlements - Guide for ...
Young People’s Guide on Financial Entitlements 2019/2020

Section 1
Former Relevant Young People

   •      If you are aged 18 to 25, some financial assistance will not be paid after your 21st birthday.

  Category                    Weekly amount         Comments
  Subsistence                 £57.90 paid by        You will be claiming Income Support, Universal Credit,
                              DWP.                  training allowance or working.

                                                    If you remain in a foster placement post 18 you can claim
                                                    welfare benefits. You may also be eligible to claim housing
                                                    benefits up to the level of the local reference rent. This is
                                                    dependent on the circumstances of the foster carers.

                                                    Initial Benefit Claim*
                                                    Leaving Care Service may provide up to 4 weeks Subsistence
                                                    payments to assist you whilst you wait for initial benefit claim
                                                    to be processed (evidence will need to be provided). You will
                                                    need to sign the ‘Agreement to Share Information Form’ so
                                                    that your social worker or personal advisor can liaise with the
                                                    Department of Works and Pension (DWP) regarding your
                                                    claim.

                                                    If you do not follow the requirements of the DWP i.e. attend
                                                    appointments, your subsistence payment will cease after four
                                                    weeks. You will then need to liaise with the DWP and apply
                                                    for an advance payment.

  Fares                       Oyster Card           You will be given 70% discount towards an Oyster Card if you
                              Or travel             are in full-time education, training or employment during
                              warrants              term-time only to cover up to zone 1-6. You will need to have
                                                    a current education learning agreement or enrolment letter
                                                    to confirm this.

  Birthday Celebration

  19th , 20th and 21st        £20                   The birthday/religious allowance will only be paid to you if
  birthday                                          you remain in contact with Brent Children and Young
                                                    People’s Service this also includes if you are in custody or
                                                    young offenders institute.

  Religious Celebration       £15                   Only one payment is made annually up to the age of 21.
  (one off payment for
  Christmas or other
  Religious Celebration

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London Borough of Brent Children and Young People's Service Leaving Care Financial Support 2019 - 2020 Categories and Entitlements - Guide for ...
Young People’s Guide on Financial Entitlements 2019/2020

Support with education, training or employment
   •   Your university course should start before your 21st birthday as our support to you will end
       on your 25th birthday.

Further Education [Non-advanced courses i.e. GCSE and A levels, BTEC etc.]
  Category               Amount               Comments
  Course equipment         £100 (if not            You will need to apply to the Learning Support Fund
  and enrolment fees.      provided by             during the 1st week of enrolment for course equipment,
                           College)                the college administrates this fund. If funding is refused
                                                   proof will be needed from the college. LB Brent may then
  Interview for Clothing   £75 (if not             provide equipment costs for your education course,
                           provided by DWP         depending on assessment of need. Enrolment fees will be
                                                   paid subject to verification of course details. Interview for
                                                   clothing will only be paid if funding is not available for any
                                                   other source i.e. DWP

  From the age of 18 to 20, if you are studying full time (12 hours or more of ‘guided learning’) you can
  claim Income Support and Housing Benefit on the grounds of being in ‘Relevant Education’.

  In order to qualify for Income Support on the grounds of ‘Relevant Education’ up to the age of 20 you
  must commence an education course before your 19th birthday.

  Where appropriate, and dependent on an assessment of need, Brent Children and Young People’s
  Service may provide assistance for specific grants and one-off payments to you if you are studying, for
  items such as books and equipment, if funding from the Learning Support Fund has been refused.

  As a ‘Care Leaver’ you are a ‛priority group’ in terms of college ‛Access Funds’ which are sometimes
  called Learner Support Funds. Many colleges also have bursaries and specific welfare grants which you
  may be able to apply for. The students’ support service should be able to provide information on both
  the practical and financial support that may be available.

  Higher Education [Advanced Course’s i.e. Degree level]

  See Flow Chart for details on financial support offered to you. If you are in Higher Education (this either
  is a Degree/HND level) it is expected that the student loan will cover the cost of accommodation during
  term time. Brent Social Care has a duty where required to provide assistance with rental deposit and the
  cost of vacation accommodation either in cash or kind. This will only be for a maximum of 16 weeks, if
  you can find other financial support i.e. by finding employment or using your savings.

  During Christmas and Easter vacation you will not be entitled to financial assistance towards rent and
  living costs – these are covered by your student loan and Education Bursary. Requests for additional
  support will need a full financial assessment of income and expenditure to include clearly where the
  shortfall is and if additional funding was not available you will suffer severe financial hardship.

   Category                  Amount                 Comments
   Christmas and Easter      Nil                    Payments will usually be covered by student loan and
   Vacation                                         bursary
   Accommodation and
   Subsistence payments
   Summer Vacation           £current market        Financial assistance will be provided to cover payment
   Accommodation             rate if not in your    towards rent – you will be encouraged to seek
   payments                  own tenancy            employment during the summer vacation to enhance

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London Borough of Brent Children and Young People's Service Leaving Care Financial Support 2019 - 2020 Categories and Entitlements - Guide for ...
Young People’s Guide on Financial Entitlements 2019/2020

                                                your employment prospects once you leave university –
                                                in exceptional circumstances subsistence maybe paid.
 Graduation Ceremony       Up to £200           Costs towards hire of gown and photographs

 Higher Education          £2000                Paid in Instalment over the duration of the course and is
 Grant                                          dependent on your results at end of each academic
                                                year. You could use this grant to pay for a laptop or
                                                towards rent during your Christmas & Easter break.

Welfare Benefits
The majority of you who undertake higher education courses are ineligible for welfare benefits such as
Income Support and Housing Benefit. Certain limited groups of young people who undertake higher
education courses if you are a lone parent or disabled you may remain/be eligible for welfare benefits
while studying.

Lone parents may be eligible for the Government’s Childcare Grant and/or Parents’ Learning Allowance.
Disabled students may be eligible for the Disabled Students’ Allowance.
Additionally, lone parents and disabled students are eligible for the equivalent of the Student
Maintenance Grant.

If you are a Lone Parent or a Disabled Student and in receipt of Welfare Benefits you should check with
the Department of Work and Pensions regarding the rules about student loans. Being in receipt of a
student loan may cause disqualification for welfare benefits.

If you are UASC young person wishing to attend university details of your current immigration status
and eligibility of student loan application will need to be confirmed prior to any agreement of funding
from Brent Children and Young People’s Service.

Additional Funding and Information
You are a ‛priority group’ in terms of university and college ‛Access Funds’ which are sometimes called
Learner Support Funds. Many universities and colleges also have bursaries and specific welfare grants
which you may be able to apply for. The individual university or college should have information about
these. The students’ support service should be able to provide information on both the practical and
financial support that may be available.

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London Borough of Brent Children and Young People's Service Leaving Care Financial Support 2019 - 2020 Categories and Entitlements - Guide for ...
Young People’s Guide on Financial Entitlements 2019/2020

Other financial support, i.e. accommodation

  Category                Amount               Comments
  Renting Private                              If you want to rent a private property, it is likely that the
  Accommodation                                landlord will require a deposit and rent in advance before
                                               they will agree to a tenancy. If you are over 18, they will be
                                               supported to access a rent deposit scheme.

  Key Documents           £75.50               LB Brent will purchase a passport and 1 birth certificate for
                                               you [once only] if it has been lost and if funding is not
                                               available from any other source i.e. DWP.

  Emergency payments      £30                  Brent Children and Young People’s Service will in
                                               exceptional circumstances provide emergency payment in
                                               form of £20 food voucher and £10 in cash. These payments
                                               will be dependent on an assessment of need and will not
                                               exceed a one-off payment of £30.00.

  Setting Up Home         £2000 or             The setting up home allowance is available up to the age of
  Allowance               £2200 (single        21 [25 where young people are attending a higher
                          parents) this is a   education course]. The setting up home allowance should
                          one of payment.      always be used to purchase household items. At least £70
                                               should be used to buy a health and safety pack [smoke
                                               detectors etc.]. The allowance is payable when you have
                                               secured a council tenancy, in exceptional circumstances
                                               some goods may be purchased whilst you are in a semi-
                                               independent placement (up to £250), the costs of goods
                                               will then be deducted from the total figure of your setting
                                               up Home Allowance.

  Council Tax Exception   Depends on local     If you are 18 and either in full-time employment,
                          council tax rate     training/apprenticeship scheme and have previously been
                                               in Brent’s care, regardless of where you are living now and
                                               have to pay council tax (Students and young people
                                               claiming benefits may not be liable to pay council tax as
                                               they are deemed to be on low income). You will be able to
                                               apply for council tax exemption. Brent care leavers should
                                               first apply for a ‘discretionary reduction’ which will leave
                                               an outstanding council tax amount, which the Council will
                                               then reduce to nil (which means you will not owe the
                                               Council any council tax money).

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London Borough of Brent Children and Young People's Service Leaving Care Financial Support 2019 - 2020 Categories and Entitlements - Guide for ...
Uni for you?
The London Borough of Brent is committed to increasing the number of care leavers going to
university. Going to university should give you the opportunity to study a subject that you enjoy,
to learn about living independently, to have fun and increase your job prospects.

What can the London Borough of Brent provide*?
We want to help you get the most out of your time at university. In order to do that we are
prepared to assist in the following:

- £2000 Higher Education Grant payable in instalments over the duration of the course*
- Financial support for rent during the summer accommodation. For Christmas & Easter half-
  term breaks rent is included in your maintenance loan however if you think you may need
  financial help speak to your Personal Advisor.
- Expenses for visits, open days & Interviews
- A laptop & specific software, if not already provided, young person must first make
  application to University for Higher Education bursary or apply for Hardship Fund.
- Travel grant to pay for fares to University
- Advice and assistance in finding vacation accommodation if studying outside London.

What can you expect from the London Borough of Brent?
We will also offer assistance during your time at university in other ways. Most importantly
you can expect:

-   Support & encouragement from your allocated personal advisor or from the virtual school
    right up until the time that you graduate
-   Help with filling out forms
-   Assessment of your financial needs
-   Review of your pathway plan every six months
-   Travel to & from university during term time if needed

Making the most of your time
Going to university is a big step. It won’t always be easy, but all the effort will be worthwhile
in the end. University life can be tough, but you have come this far so with our support and
your commitment it will be worth it in the end.

                                     * Subject to agreed eligibility
      Contact your social worker or personal advisor if you are starting or returning to University.
London Borough of Brent Children and Young People's Service Leaving Care Financial Support 2019 - 2020 Categories and Entitlements - Guide for ...
This flow chart applies if you are to commence a Higher Educa%on Course
in September 2019

                                       Star%ng Course
                                         in 2019/20

        Brent Support                                                 University or
                                                                    Student Finance *

                                                              University bursary up to £1,000
Expenses for visits, open days &
                                                                 per year [varies between
          interviews                                                    universities]

 A lap top & specific software
    (apply for Access Fund)                                  Up to £11,672 Maintenance Loan
                                                                          [London]
                                                                             or
                                                             Up to £8,944 Maintenance Loan
 Travel Grant to pay for travel                                     [outside of London]
      fares to University

                                                              Up to £9,250 Tuition Fee Loan
    £2000 [non-repayable]                                       [paid directly to University].
    Education Grant one off                                     Universities that charge the
  payment paid in instalments                                 maximum tuition fees per year
                                                                 must provide a minimum
                                                              bursary of up to £400 per year,
Financial assistance [depending                                     apply to University.
on assessment of need] will be
   made towards rent during
  Christmas, Easter & Summer
 vacation. Subsistence will only                               Apply to university for Access
be paid during summer vacation                                  Fund to pay for laptop/living
  following a financial - young                                             costs
  person will be encouraged to
    find suitable employment

                                                              Lone parents & Sick & Disabled
                                                                who are eligible for welfare
  Advice in finding vacation                                   benefits will recieve a special
  accommodation if studying                                     support grant similiar to the
       outside London                                              maintenance grant.

                                                               This group of students should
                                                               check with the Department of
Lone Parents & Students who
                                                              Work & Pensions as taking out a
are eligible for welfare benefits
                                                               student loan may affect their
       will not recieve the
                                                                          benefit
   Accommodation & living
        expenses grant.

                                                                         *See aCached sfe guide
London Borough of Brent Children and Young People's Service Leaving Care Financial Support 2019 - 2020 Categories and Entitlements - Guide for ...
NE
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University

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The complete guide to

student
finance
London Borough of Brent Children and Young People's Service Leaving Care Financial Support 2019 - 2020 Categories and Entitlements - Guide for ...
Tuition fees:
the basics
Stressed about being saddled with thousands of
pounds’ worth of debt? We get to the bottom of
tuition fees – it might not be as bad as you think…
Tuition fees are currently limited to
£9,250 a year, a rise in line with inflation
from the previous maximum of £9,000
per year. On paper, this seems like a large
amount of money – and it is – but a lack
of money shouldn’t stop you going to
university. In fact, most students won’t
have to pay fees up front and there is a
wide range of support available, too.

Just to make things really confusing, there                                                         Should I choose a degree course with        remaining amount owed is written off
are quite a few differences in what you                                                             lower tuition fees?                         (30 years after you graduate for English
pay throughout the UK.                                                                              As tempting as it is, choosing a course     and Welsh students).
                                                                                                    with lower fees may not make much
● If you’re English: up to £9,250 per                  or £9,250 per year in England, Scotland      difference when it comes to what you        Tuition fee loans eligibility
year when studying in England, Scotland                and Northern Ireland. Regardless of          pay back. This is because your annual       In order to qualify for a tuition fee loan,
Northern Ireland or Wales. It may be more              where you study, you’ll receive a non-       repayments will depend on your salary,      you need to be studying in higher
for a privately-run university or college.             repayable fee grant for £4,800 and can       rather than the amount you borrowed.        education for the first time and be under
● If you’re Scottish: free if you’re                   apply for a loan to make up any shortfall.     Whether you choose a course that          the age of 60 at the start of the academic
studying in Scotland; up to £9,250 per                 ● If you’re Northern Irish: up to £4,160     costs more or less than £9,250 per year,    year. Students undertaking full-time
year in England and Northern Ireland;                  per year for studying in Northern Ireland,   you’ll repay the same amount each           distance learning courses do not qualify.
or £9,000 in Wales.                                    or £9,250 per year in England or Scotland    month – although it will take longer
● If you’re Welsh: up to £9,000 in Wales,              and £9,000 in Wales.                         to pay it back. On top of that, many
                                                                                                    students won’t have repaid the full
                                                                                                    amount of their loan by the point the         Useful resources
    Student view:                                                                                                                                 • Student loan repayment calculator
    Fees aren’t putting me off university                                                                                                         • Interactive quick start guides
    “Tuition fees are quite expensive, but it doesn’t put me off learning. I have most                TOP TIP                                     • What Parents need to know
    of my financial support in place, but I will hopefully get a job to bump up my                    Tuition fee loans are also available to     • Student Finance England
    spending money, as well as opening a savings account where I’ll put in half of                    Masters students, and those taking a        • Student Finance Wales
    what I earn. This way I can make sure I have enough to pay bills and buy food,                    second degree in a science, technology,     • Student Awards Agency Scotland
    but also have money that I can spend on the fun stuff, like clothes and going out.”               engineering or maths (STEM) subject.        • Student Finance Northern Ireland
    Lauren Savage - preparing to start a performing arts degree

2                                                                                                                                                                                          3
Student loans
                                                                                           Deadlines for applying
                                                                                           The deadlines for tuition fee loan and
                                                                                           maintenance loan applications depend           DID YOU KNOW?

and finance                                                                                on where you live, rather than where you
                                                                                           study, and range from mid-April to the
                                                                                           end of June.
                                                                                                                                          • Student loans don’t go on credit files.
                                                                                                                                          • SLC doesn’t employ debt collectors and
                                                                                                                                          you can’t lose your home if you don’t pay.
Not sure where to start? With a bit of organisation,                                         Make sure you’ve completed your              • If you don’t start making repayments you
                                                                                           funding application in plenty of time          could receive a penalty or be prosecuted.
navigating your way through the world of student finance
                                                                                           to receive your first instalment by            • You still need to repay your loan if you
doesn’t need to be as complicated as it may seem.                                          September. However, if you do miss the         move overseas.
                                                                                           deadline you can apply up to nine months       • Your student debt will only ever apply
Student finance explained                     How maintenance loans work                   after your course starts.                      to you and can’t be passed on to anyone
Most students planning to go to university    This helps support students with living                                                     else.
can borrow money to pay for their fees        expenses while at university, such           When do I have to repay my loans?              • There’s no penalty charge for repaying
and living costs. The amount you receive      as accommodation, food and course            It may feel daunting to think about            your student loan back early if you
will depend on your household income,         materials.                                   repayments, but student finance loans          choose to.
where you live and what you study.                                                         only need to be repaid once you’ve
                                              What is it based on?                         finished or left your course and are
The student finance package includes:         The loan you receive takes into account      earning more than £25,000 a year, £2,083
                                              where you will be studying and how much      a month or £480 per week (this has been      £1,750 from that month’s salary. If you

1  Tuition fee loan: A non-means tested
   (not dependent on household income)
loan, available for UK or EU full-and part-
                                              your parents earn, amongst other factors.
                                              Many students will not receive the full
                                              amount outlined below, meaning either
                                                                                           frozen until at least April 2021).
                                                                                              You pay interest on your loan from the
                                                                                           day you receive it until the loan is fully
                                                                                                                                        go on to earn less, your repayments will
                                                                                                                                        automatically stop.
                                                                                                                                           While the loans do accrue interest,
time students (see page 2 for eligibility     you, or your parents, should be prepared     paid or written off. The level of interest   any outstanding debt still owed after 30
requirements).                                to make up any financial shortfall.          depends on the current UK Retail Price       years in England and Wales is written off,
                                                                                           Index (RPI). If you leave or suspend your    meaning it’s not always worth paying

2   Maintenance loan: A means-tested
    loan for full-time UK students to help
cover living costs, such as rent, food,
                                              How to apply for loans
                                              If you are a student from England you can
                                              apply for student loans and grants online
                                                                                           course, you’ll still be expected to repay
                                                                                           any loan money you received.
                                                                                                                                        back a loan early. Student loans won’t
                                                                                                                                        appear on your credit file either.
                                                                                                                                           It’s important to keep track of
books, travel etc.                            by visiting the student finance section in   How do I pay it back?                        your repayments through P60 forms
                                              GOV.UK. Students from Wales, Scotland        You don’t physically hand any money over     and payslips or by logging onto

3    Advanced learner loan: A non
     means-tested loan available to
students aged 19 and over, studying
                                              or Northern Ireland can use the links in
                                              the resources box on page 3. Get your
                                              application in early – you don’t even need
                                                                                           – your employer takes 9% of your income
                                                                                           above the £25,000 threshold through the
                                                                                           UK tax system (Pay As You Earn - PAYE).
                                                                                                                                        www.studentloanrepayment.co.uk.
                                                                                                                                        If you are just a few years away from
                                                                                                                                        paying it off, you can set up a direct debit
eligible courses from Level 3 (A-level        to wait until you receive offers back from   If you are self-employed you will pay it     to avoid being overcharged giving you
equivalent) to Level 6.                       universities to get this started.            back via HMRC’s self-assessment scheme.      more control over your money.
                                                                                           The amount you pay back is calculated on
                                                                                           your pre-tax income above £25,000 and        How much will I actually pay?
 Where are you living and studying?           Maximum maintenance loan
                                                                                           will be taken after you’ve paid tax.         To give you a quick idea, if you are
 Living with parents                          Up to £7,324                                    If you usually earn less than this, but   earning £29,000 a year, you are £4,000
 Living away from home outside of London      Up to £8,700                                 bonuses or overtime take you over this       over the repayment threshold. You will
                                                                                           amount, the Student Loans Company            pay 9% on this amount, which is equal to
 Living away from home in London              Up to £11,354                                (SLC) will still take 9% of anything above   £30 a month.

4                                                                                                                                                                                      5
Bursaries and
scholarships
Scholarships and bursaries may be offered on the
basis of your academic abilities, household income,
or a combination of both. Here’s the lowdown…
How much you receive varies depending              needs confirmation that:
on the university, but the money doesn’t           ● You have applied to Student Finance for
have to be paid back (unless you decide to         income-assessed support
leave your course early) and payments go           ● The chosen university is stated on your
directly into your bank account. The money         application
could be used to help pay towards tuition          ● Your household income has been verified
fees, books, equipment, childcare and              by Student Finance
travel, and funding may last for one year or       ● You (and your parents or partner) have
the duration of your course.                       given their consent to Student Finance to
                                                   share information with the university.
What’s the difference between
a bursary and scholarship?                         Am I eligible for a bursary or                 ● You are living in a hostel or shared                 year or year abroad.
The terms ‘bursary’ and ‘scholarship’ are          scholarship?                                   accommodation                                          ● Students who are paying reduced rate
interchangeable across universities, but           You may be eligible for a bursary or           ● You have been successful in your                     tuition fees.
scholarships tend to be different in that          scholarship if you fall under one or more of   application for an advanced learner loan.
they are competitive (and often supported          these criteria:                                                                                       How likely am I to receive an award?
by donors). Bursaries are usually non-                                                            In some cases bursaries may not be                     This depends on whether you meet the
competitive, automatic and based on                ● Your household income is less than           available to:                                          criteria or not. Any university or college
financial need, and may be described as            £25,000                                        ● Part-time students                                   in England offering degree courses
‘awards’.                                          ● Your household income is between             ● Post-graduate students                               with a £6,000+ price tag has to offer
                                                   £25,001 and £42,611                            ● NHS-funded or sponsored students                     bursaries, summer schools and outreach
How likely am I to receive funding?                ● You are under-represented, for example,      ● Students on placement years/sandwich                 programmes to encourage applications
In order to be considered, the university          have UK Refugee status or live in an area                                                             from students from all backgrounds.
                                                   with low participation of young people in
                                                   higher education                                   Expert view:
    TOP TIP                                        ● You have a disability, or a long-term            Investigate university department funds
    Contact your university directly to find out   health condition for which Disability Living       “Not all awards may be administered centrally, and so some departments may have
    what it is offering for the current academic   Allowance (DLA) is not available                   funds, scholarships or bursaries which central funding teams, are not necessarily aware
    year. Find out more about what’s available     ● You are working or studying away from            of. To make sure that students maximise their student income, they should ensure
    here: www.which.co.uk/extra-funding-           the university                                     that they check with their department whether there are any such locally managed
    university                                     ● You have come from a care background             schemes which they may be eligible to apply for.”
                                                   ● You are caring for an adult or children          Jon Lightfoot - Acting Student Funding Manager, Bristol University

6                                                                                                                                                                                                     7
Other funding to help                                                                          Expert view:
                                                                                               Hardship funds
you at university                                                                              “We try and engage with students
                                                                                               to find out why there is a reason for
                                                                                               them having financial difficulties.
Most unis and colleges offer some sort of                                                      For example, students who are
                                                                                               commuting back home to London
financial assistance that you won’t have to pay
                                                                                               every weekend to support a parent
back. Here are some options you may not have                                                   who is ill. A standard assessment
thought about…                                                                                 won’t always reflect exactly what
                                                                                               is going on for that student and
Fee waiver                                                                                     investigating further allows us to
This covers all or some of a student’s         TOP TIP                                         look at what is really happening and
tuition fees and may be given by a             If you’ve been in local authority care you      offer the best advice..”
university or college alongside a bursary      may be able to apply for a one-off bursary      James Pooley - Student Welfare Service,
in one package of support. Students won’t      of up to £2,000 from your local authority,      University of Leicester

receive a cash lump sum – instead they         university or college.
will be given a reduction on their tuition                                                  How to apply
fees, meaning the loan needed is less or                                                    You will need to fill out an application form     TOP TIP
does not need to be paid back. However,      It could be that you suddenly have less        from your university or college. In most          Universities and colleges will usually
as many students will never pay off their    money coming in, there are unexpected          circumstances only students who receive           contact you about financial support as
full student loans, this might not be as     costs or you have to pay a very large          loans or grants from Student Finance can          they are given information from your
generous as it first seems.                  bill. Some universities will also consider     apply. Priority is given to students with         application to see what finance you may
                                             specific additional bursary funding for        children, those in their final year or those      be entitled to. This is why it’s important to
How to apply                                 certain students, such as care leavers or      who are unable to work due to illness or          provide your correct details and consent to
The application process is based             students who don’t have any contact with       disability.                                       share your information.
on similar criteria to bursaries and         their parents. In other cases, there may be
scholarships; information is passed on to    charitable funds which award money or          Other government grants
your university as part of your Student      vouchers that can go towards things such       and financial support                           students only), Child Tax Credit, Disabled
Finance application.                         as IT equipment or vouchers.                   There is a wide range of extra support          Students’ Allowances and a range of other
                                             You may also be able to apply for a small      available from the government if:               disability-related benefits. You can find
University hardship funds                    interest-free short-term loan if you need      ● You’re on a low income                        out more about whether you are eligible
Hardship funds are designed to help          urgent assistance for essential living         ● You have children or dependant adults         for benefits and grants by visiting
you if you’re having financial problems      costs until you receive your next funding      ● You have a disability                         www.gov.uk/student-finance/extra-help
while you’re studying or before              instalment.                                    ● You are studying medicine, social work
arriving at university. They are also                                                       or teacher training
referred to as:                                                                             ● You’re studying abroad.                         Useful resources
                                               TOP TIP                                                                                        • Scholarship Search
● England: Access to Learning Fund             In some cases the students’ union will run   This financial support could include:             • Uni Grants UK
● Wales: Financial Contingency Funds           its own smaller funding scheme, which is     Income Support, Childcare Grant, Parent’s         • Nasma
● Northern Ireland: Support Funds              also worth checking out.                     Learning Allowance (full-time students            • British Council Guide to Scholarships
● Scotland: Discretionary Funds                                                             only), Adult Dependants’ Grant (full-time

8                                                                                                                                                                                             9
Parents and
finance: Q&A
Understand how your parents can help you apply for
student finance, with answers to some of the more tricky
questions surrounding this area.

Should my parents take a loan out               of any taxable state benefits, pensions
on my behalf?                                   or any income from UK and foreign
This is nearly always not a good idea, as       investments.
it’s likely to be the more expensive option.                                                  Disability Living Allowance (DLA) are             calculator, in our budgeting section (see
Interest rates on student loans are still low   If I have a brother or sister at uni at the   not counted as household income,                  pages 12–15)
in comparison to other loans on the market.     same time as me, does this affect what        so this shouldn’t affect what you receive.
    Remember, your tuition fees do not          we’ll each receive?                                                                             Can my parents help me repay my
need to be paid upfront, with your tuition      Yes. Your parents’ assessment for total       What happens if my parents’ financial             loans earlier?
fee loan taking care of this, while the         household income will receive a reduction     circumstances change while I am at uni?           Loans gain interest from the day they are
maintenance loan will help towards              of £1,130 from Student Finance England.       Your entitlement is based on your parents’        issued until the day they are paid or written
your living costs.                              For example, a family with two dependant      household income for the previous tax             off (currently after 30 years). Once you have
                                                children at university and a household        year. So, an application for finance for          left university, the loan will gather interest
Do I have to give proof of my parents’          income of £58,000 will be considered to       September 2018 will look at your parents’         depending on how much you earn.
household income?                               have a household income of £56,870.           income for the tax year 2016/17. However,            If your parents want to cut down the
You don’t have to. The tuition fee loan            This reduction could push your parents     if their household income is at least             interest your loans are accruing, then
is non-income assessed, and so is part          into a lower household income bracket,        15% less than it was in the previous tax          they may wish to make a contribution.
of the maintenance loan. You only need to       meaning you and your sibling(s) receive a     year, they can apply for a Current Year           However you should weigh up whether
provide details of your parents’ household      bigger maintenance loan.                      Income Assessment. This will review their         you are likely to pay off the full amount
income if you wish to apply for the maximum                                                   expected income for the present tax year.         before the write-off period. If you reduce
amount of maintenance loan available.           My parents are divorced. How does                                                               your debt sooner than actually necessary,
                                                this affect my finance application?           Will my student loan be enough to                 you may end up paying more back than
What do my parents need to                      If you’ve applied for income-assessed         support me financially?                           you actually need to.
provide for my application for                  support, you will be asked to give            With accommodation, course and living
 income-assessed support?                       the financial details of the parent you       costs to manage, you’ll probably find the
This depends on their circumstances,            ‘normally live with’. If that parent is       maintenance loan alone won’t be enough.
income and the number of child                  married, in a civil partnership, or living    Some parents will be able to make up the
dependants they have.                           with a partner, that partner will also need   shortfall in loan by contributing money             TOP TIP
   If they need to provide proof of             to provide their details.                     towards their child’s living costs. However, if     Support yourself by finding part-time or
earnings, this could take the form of a:                                                      your parents are unable to help financially,        holiday work – good for your wallet and
● P60 or Self-Assessment tax return             My parents receive disability benefits.       you will need to plan your budget for uni           your CV. Head to www.which.co.uk/
● National Insurance number                     Will this affect my finance application?      carefully. Find some top tips on how best           part-time-job for some tips.
   They will also have to provide evidence      Any tax-free state benefits such as           to do so, alongside our student budget

10                                                                                                                                                                                           11
Student budgeting
                                                                                                                                               Other universities encourage it, saying it
                                                                                                                                               helps students improve their employability
                                                                                                                                               and will run ‘jobshops’ to help students find
                                                                                                                                               work. It’s worth considering when you can
Worried you’ll splash the cash the minute it hits your                                                                                         earn up to £11,850 tax-free (sadly, students
account? Most students struggle with their finances at some                                                                                    don’t get out of paying Income Tax and
point, so set a budget to help you manage your money.                                                                                          National Insurance).

What to include in your budget
Once you get your loan it’s tempting
to head straight to the shops, but
                                              3  Food It’s a myth that students live
                                                 off baked beans – It’s possible to eat
                                              normally and healthily, whatever your
                                                                                                                                               Student bank accounts
                                                                                                                                               Banks are keen to sign you up now as
                                                                                                                                               a student to hopefully keep you as a
you’ll regret blowing your budget in          budget. To keep costs down, make a                there is always the chance of theft. Tot up    life-long customer. That’s why attractive
the first week. Use our student budget        shopping list and stick to it, cook in bulk       the cost of your stuff and get some quotes     incentives are often on offer, including
calculator (see page overleaf) to help you    and freeze, and make packed lunches for           online - and check if you’re covered as part   free or discounted railcards, cinema
understand how to manage your money.          cheaper meals on the go.                          of your parents’ home insurance policy.        tickets or vouchers.
  Your biggest expense will most likely be                                                                                                        See these as perks rather than the main
your accommodation. However there are
plenty of other costs you might not have
necessarily factored in yet. Our top 10
                                              4    Entertainment From freshers’ week
                                                   to clubs, student nights, gigs, sport or
                                              a quick catch-up with friends at the union,
                                                                                                8  Toiletries Make the most of special
                                                                                                   offers and value brands and check out
                                                                                                pound shops for good deals.
                                                                                                                                               reason you choose a particular account. If
                                                                                                                                               it’s likely that your outgoings will exceed
                                                                                                                                               your income at some point during your
are below...                                  the cost of socialising can soon mount                                                           studies, it’s worth looking for the one with

1   Course materials Try second-hand
    book sales, joining student Facebook
                                              up. The student union is your best bet for
                                              cheaper food and drinks. Consider nights
                                              in with housemates, free events or two-
                                                                                                9    Clothes You can save money by
                                                                                                     making the most of student discounts
                                                                                                (and check out sites such as MyUniDays).
                                                                                                                                               the highest overdraft available.
                                                                                                                                                  Overdrafts can come in useful if you’re
                                                                                                                                               short one month, especially as most
groups, buying earlier editions of text       for-one cinema nights.                            You will also get extra discounts and          student overdrafts won’t charge interest up
books or getting your books from the                                                            money back through cashback websites.          to a certain amount. It’s not ‘free money’,
library.
                                              5    Utilities If you’re in halls of residence,
                                                   utilities such as gas, electricity and
                                                                                                Or try clothes swapping via websites such
                                                                                                as Vinted, or host your own party!
                                                                                                                                               but can help to tide you over financially
                                                                                                                                               until you have more money coming into

2    Transport Whether it’s a bus to
     lectures or travelling back home
for the holidays, you’ll need to factor in
                                              water are usually included as part of
                                              your rent, but that won’t normally be the
                                              case in private housing. You’ll need to           10      Extra study expenses
                                                                                                        Printing, photocopying and
                                                                                                                                               your account. Just remember that after you
                                                                                                                                               reach this limit you will have to pay interest
                                                                                                                                               on top of the money you’ve borrowed.
travel costs. Luckily, student travel cards   put some money aside each month to                buying stationery – the little costs can add   Compare the latest student bank account
reduce the costs of getting around by up      cover these. Online deals are usually the         up, but there are ways to keep them to a       offers at www.which.co.uk/studentbank
to a third, including: 16-25 Railcard, 18+    cheapest, plus you’ll get an extra discount       minimum. For example, is it worth buying
Student Oyster Photocard and Young            if paying by direct debit.                        a printer? (you can get a decent budget
Persons Coachcard.                                                                              one for under £50).                              TOP TIP

                                              6    Internet This is another cost you
                                                   usually won’t have to pay for in halls,
                                              but it will be a factor in private housing.
                                                                                                  For more detailed advice on student
                                                                                                budgeting visit: www.which.co.uk/
                                                                                                student-budgeting-10
                                                                                                                                                 If you don’t meet your repayments each
                                                                                                                                                 month, credit cards and store cards
                                                                                                                                                 increase the debt that you have to repay.
  TOP TIP                                     Compare deals to get the best quote for                                                            Aside from getting the scissors out to
  Try our Student budget calculator to        broadband and installing a landline or cable.     Getting a part-time job                          get rid of temptation, speak to your
  uncover the true cost of uni, read more                                                       Some universities discourage students            university’s finance support team for
  on pages 14-15.
                                              7   Insurance As tempting as it is to cut
                                                  costs and not bother with insurance,
                                                                                                from taking on part-time jobs (such as
                                                                                                Oxbridge), but for many it’s a necessity.
                                                                                                                                                 advice on managing your money.

12                                                                                                                                                                                           13
Student budget
                                                                                                                                           Calculating your costs
                                                                                                                                           The student budget calculator
                                                                                                                                           is an easy-to-use tool which

calculator                                                                                                                                 reveals the average cost of
                                                                                                                                           living at university and allows
                                                                                                                                           you to personalise your budget.
Use our calculator to find out the true cost of university                                                                                 Give it a go: which.co.uk/
                                                                                                                                           studentcalculator.

                                                                                                                                           Ways to pay for uni
                                                                                                                                           Don’t panic, remember to keep
                                                                                                                                           an open mind when looking at
                                                                                                                                           the cost of living across different
                                                                                                                                           universities. Don’t forget about
                                                                                                                                           these sources of financial
                                                                                                                                           support at uni:
                                                                                                                                           ● maintenance loan
                                                                                                                                           ● bursaries/scholarships
                                                                                                                                           ● part-time job
                                                                                                                                           ● parents’ contributions
                                                                                                                                           ● other family contribution
                                                                                                                                           ● savings

                                                                                                                                           Expert view:
                                                                                                                                           Keep the cash flowing
                                                                                                                                           “Our advice to students – in
                                                                                                                                           addition to planning a budget – is
                                                                                                                                           to look at the dates when your
                                                                                                                                           funding is paid as the instalments
                                                                                                                                           are not always evenly spread out
Once you get to university and you’re           Did you know these average uni                                                             over the year, and plan a weekly
fending for yourself, you might be              monthly costs?*                                                                            spending limit.”
surprised how much a shopping basket of         ● Transport = £83                                                                          Tuition Fee Team,
essentials or a water bill actually comes to.   ● Food shop = £67                          Student view:                                    University of Central Lancashire

                                                ● Interests and hobbies = £36              How I budget
To help you start planning your student         ● Water, gas and electricity = £45          “I was surprised how little the student
budget, we’ve done the maths to show            ● Takeaways and snacks = £24               loan covered and how I always                *All other data: Living Costs and Food Survey
you what the biggest living costs are for                                                  needed outside help and savings to           (2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015/16) from the Office
the average student in the UK (plus             Our calculator helps you figure out how                                                 for National Statistics, showing the median
                                                                                           cover all the costs.”                        expenditure for students in the UK, with figures
those extras that may creep into your           much living at uni will roughly cost you   Lizzie Roderick - Final Year Criminology     adjusted for inflation and omitting those who didn’t
bank statement).                                per month, across universities.            student, University of the West of England   spend anything on a particular cost category.

14                                                                                                                                                                                     15
University

Which? University
university.which.co.uk
   @WhichUniUK
 WhichUniversity
   WhichUniversity

For more in-depth advice on all things student finance,
head to www.which.co.uk/student-finance-advice
You can also read