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| Studying while not working |
4. Studying while not workingIf you’re not working, there’s a range of financial help on offer. Most of it is available for both full- and part-time courses. Don’t forget to find out about local grants and bursaries too - some colleges have special funds that aren’t part of any national scheme so it’s always worth telling college awards officers or local training providers about your particular circumstances. Here’s an outline of what’s available and what’s covered.
The Fund is run by further education colleges and some other education providers. It means they can offer free or subsidised childcare places at their own nurseries to lone parents or students on benefit or low incomes. Alternatively, they can help you pay for any other registered childcare provider, including nurseries, creches, childminders and after-school clubs. You can apply if your children are under 15 (16 if they have a disability). You may need to look into the availability of childcare funds before enrolling on a course, although sometimes you can’t actually apply for funding until after you’ve signed up. The Fund is also available to refugees.
Access Funds are run by colleges and education providers and are intended to help students of all ages, including refugees, to meet many of the costs of studying, such as course fees, books and equipment. The only thing they’re not meant to cover is living expenses. So you may be able to get help with your course and exam fees, buying books and equipment and getting to and from your place of study. Different colleges have different systems but most allocate the Fund on the basis of need. Students in the greatest financial difficulty will receive the most help. To apply for help from an Access Fund you will need to be already enrolled on a course.
Some colleges run their own Hardship Fund which is available to students experiencing major financial problems. If you’re in difficulty - or know you’re likely to hit problems at some point during your course - make sure you talk to your awards or welfare officer in good time. If there isn’t a Hardship Fund there may be other bursaries, so ask the officer what’s on offer. These Funds can be used to help you pay for course and examination fees and cover associated costs.
Some national and local organisations, including charities, can sometimes offer grants to students on particular courses. For example, Dance and Drama Awards are offered by 29 private dance and drama schools in England. You should be able to get hold of a list of trusts at your local library or your college may be able to give you details. You could also approach the Educational Grants Advisory Service on 0207 249 6636 (Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from 10-12am and 2-4pm) - or try and get hold of one the following publications which may provide further ideas:
CDLs can cover up to 80% of your course fees or 100% if you have been out of work for more than three months. However, living expenses can only be claimed if your course is full-time. It is important to apply for your loan in good time as the bank may need a few weeks to reach a decision about your application. The main benefit of the CDL programme is that you don’t have to worry about repaying your loan while you’re learning. The Department for Education and Skills pays the interest on your loan for the period of supported learning and for up to one month after. You then repay your loan to the bank as detailed in your credit agreement. If you’re claiming state benefits or want to do so while you’re studying it’s important that you talk to the office that pays you before you apply for a CDL. A CDL may affect your benefit entitlement, so you may need it to cover living expenses too.
If you’re 25 or over this programme could be just what you’ve been waiting for. It’s a work-focused and work-based programme which includes placements with real employers and basic employability training for the most disadvantaged. As part of the programme you’ll also get help with costs such as travel to your place of learning. If you’ve been unemployed for six months or more you can take part in a short period of training which is closely geared to the job you want to do. After 12 months out of work you get even more help, including a place on a longer vocational training course. If you’re interested in working for yourself there’s even help in setting up and running your own business. If you are an asylum seeker, you can only apply for financial help once your status has been confirmed. When your status has been formally granted, you may be able to get help from college Access Funds and from the Childcare Support Fund. You can also get help from these Funds if you, your husband/wife or your parents have been officially granted refugee status in the UK. If your first language is not English you may be able to get extra help from the college where you’re studying. Make sure you speak to the student awards or welfare officer before you start your course.
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