Money Matters Student Parents

Child Benefit

You can claim Child Benefit if you're 'responsible for the child' and they are under 16 years old. Or if they are under 20 years old and still in education or training. Please see the Government’s website for more information on claiming.

Claiming Child Benefit

The Parents’ Learning Allowance

An additional amount to assist students with any further costs, such as books, study materials and travel. You don’t have to pay it back and it won’t be considered a part of your income if you are in receipt of benefits or tax credit.

Claiming PLA

The Childcare Grant

To help towards your childcare costs/ if you have children under 15 years old, or under 17 if they have special educational needs. We recommend that your childcare provider be on the approved Government registration list.

You can apply for CCG online as part of your main student finance application. If your application is approved, you’ll get an email from the Childcare Grant Payment Service (CCGPS). This email will direct you to set up an account with them, where they’ll be able to pay your childcare provider directly. Your childcare provider will also need to set up an account to get payments 

Income-related, unemployment and housing benefits are not affected by CCG. Students must not be in receipt of the Childcare Element of the Working Tax Credit, the Childcare Element of Universal Credit, Tax-free Childcare from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) or NHS funded childcare grants at the same time as the Childcare Grant. 

Please note, Postgraduate students will only qualify for the CCG if they are studying on an Initial Teacher Training (ITT) or Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) course.

Claiming CCG

Benefits

If you are a student parent, you may be eligible for some support via Universal Credit.

Universal Credit is a monthly payment to help you with your living costs. You usually can’t get Universal Credit if you’re a full-time student, however there are some exceptions, including if:

• You’re aged 21 or under, in full-time non-advanced education and don’t have parental support. This includes if you’ve left care provided by the local council or you’re without parental support.
• You’re responsible for a child. The child may be adopted or a foster child.
• You live with your partner and they’re eligible for Universal Credit.

If you’re a part-time student, you may be able to access Universal Credit, but you’ll need to meet other eligibility conditions, such as being available to work.

See if you meet the criteria and for more information on how to apply.

Universal Credit and Students