Childcare Grant
Who’s eligible?
Full time students with dependant children in registered or approved care. This includes students who are lone parents or students married to other students. You cannot get this grant if you choose to keep the Lone Parents Grant or, if you and your husband, wife or partner, receive the childcare element of Working Tax Credit.
Where to apply
You should apply for the childcare grant when you apply to your Local Authority (LA) for a student loan. Tell your LA that you want to apply for help with childcare costs.
Parents’ Learning Allowance
Who’s eligible?
Full time students, in higher education, with dependant children who receive Childcare Grant can receive this help with course related costs.
Where to apply
You apply for this help through your Local Authority.
Learner Support Fund
Who’s eligible?
Students aged 16 to 18 in a further education college or sixth form college may get help with childcare, course materials, accommodation and transport.
Where to apply?
Application should be available from the Student Support or Welfare Officer at your further education college or from your school if you are a sixth form student.
Career Development Loan
Who’s eligible?
Students aged 18 and over who are on a vocational course up to two years in length if the course will improve career prospects. This can be three years if the course includes work experience. It can be used to fund childcare costs but may affect other benefits.
Where to apply?
Visit Career Development Loans or phone The CDL Information Line on 0800 585 505
NHS Childcare Allowance
Who’s eligible?
Parents studying an NHS-funded professional training course can claim this means tested allowance.
Where to apply?
Visit NHS Student Grants or phone NHS student support on 0845 358 6655
Care to Learn
Who’s eligible?
Parents under the age of 19 who return to school, attend college or a publicly funded training scheme can receive support with childcare and associated transport costs provided they use a registered or approved childcarer.
Where to apply?
Visit Care to Learn or phone 0845 6002809 or contact your Connexions Personal Advisor
New Deal Programme (childcare support)
Who’s eligible?
Lone parents working a minimum of 16 hours per week or couples who both work a minimum of 16 hours per week may be eligible for the childcare element of Working Tax Credit.
If the New Deal participant and their partner both work for less than 16 hours per week, they may be able to obtain a New Deal Childcare Allowance for up to 12 months.
Where to apply?
Contact your New Deal Adviser at your local Jobcentre Plus.
Disability Living Allowance and Direct Payments
Who’s eligible?
Parents of a disabled child or one with special educational needs can use the care component of Disability Living Allowance to help fund childcare.
Direct Payment which is provided by the Local Authority as a cash payment instead of a service could also be used to fund childcare.
Where to apply?
Contact your local Jobcentre Plus or phone the Benefits Enquiry line on 0800 882200
