Top Documents
Top Links
Money to study
This page has got info about money that you might be able to get if you continue in full-time education after year 11.
If you need extra help, you could have a look at Funderfinder. This is a database of organisations that give money to help people in particular circumstances. You can use this at any of our main Connexions Centres.
Care to Learn
Young parents can get help with childcare costs of up to £160 per child per week through Care to Learn . It might be available if you:
o are under 20 years old; and
o start a course or training programme that receives some public funding (not higher education); and
o live in England, are a Britiesh Citizen or national of a country in the European Economic Area; and
o care for your own child/children; and
o use registered childcare providers.
Child Benefit
Your parent or carer can get child benefit until you are 19 if you are in 'relevant education'. This means a full-time 'non-advanced course'. Full-time means more than 12 hours per week. 'Non-advanced' means up to and including A-levels or other level 3 course.
Child benefit is now also available to your parent or carer if you are on e2e or a Programme Led Apprenticeship.
If you leave school at the end of Year 11 and are not in work or training, Child Benefit will continue until the beginning of September. After this your parent will need to fill out form CH299 to apply for Extended Child Beneift which is available for up to 20 weeks. You must register with Connexions to say you are looking for work or training.
Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)
EMA is a weekly allowance of up to £30 available to some young people who continue to stay on in full-time education (either at school or college) after year 11. The amount you get will depend on your family's income.
After a one-off assessment, you will be guaranteed a minimum level of support for up to 3 years, even if your household income changes. If household incomes decrease, you can be reassessed at the start of the next academic year. Hopefully this will help you to feel more secure about long term study.
All E2E learners now receive the maximum £30 per week, regardless of household income.
You may also be able to get bonuses of up to £100 if you stay on your course, make good progress and behave appropriately. Bonuses are no longer just linked to attendance. Speak to your Connexions Personal Adviser for more information.
You won't lose out if you get money from a part-time job. And your parents won't lose any benefits they get. Young people who get Income Support whilst studying or Care to Learn can also get EMA on top of these payments.
You can get an application form from your school, college or local Connexions Centre. For more information visit the EMA website or call their helpline on 0800 121 8989.
Fees for Courses
If you start a full-time course before you are 19 you do not normally have to pay tuition or exam fees( except for resits). If you have been living outside the European Economic Area in the last three years, you will need to check if you have to pay fees. You would normally have to pay fees if you go to a private school or college.
Income Support whilst studying
See 'Benefits for Young people' section .
Discretionary Support Funds
If you stay on in further education after Year 11, you may be able to apply for this funding. It can be used to help with financial hardship and emergencies, essential course equipment and materials. If you're at college, see your student support counsellor; if you're at school talk to your tutor or Head of Sixth Form.
Studying and part-time working
lf you're still at school or college, you can work part-time to earn extra cash. Shops, supermarkets, hotels, restaurants, fast food outlets all have part-time opportunities.
See also:
the money section in the Life Zone
Money for Higher Education
If you're thinking about going to university or a college of higher education you may be able to get financial help through a grant or student loan. For more information go to Student Finance.
Posted on 28 September 2009
