Am I eligible for Financial Support?

In order to complete an application to the Learner Support Fund, you will need to bring in evidence of your ID (birth certificate, driving license, or passport) to college. Other evidence you will need to bring is explained below.

Please note funding is limited and cannot be guaranteed.

I am aged 16 to 18
Do you or your parent(s)/guardian(s) work and are the total household earnings below £26,000?
Yes	Please provide P60 (April 2017) AND Tax Credit Award Notice 2017/18 If self-employed, we will need a copy of annual accounts ended April 2017 or SA302 AND Tax Credit Award Notice 2017/18
No	Please provide a Recent Benefit Letter (JSA, Income Support, ESA, Universal Credit) AND Recent Bank Statements AND Tax Credit Award Notice 2017/18

I am aged 19 or over
Do you and/or your partner or your parent(s)/guardian(s) work? Household earnings below £26,000 or less than £13,000 if you are single with no dependants
Yes	Please provide P60 (April 2017) AND Tax Credit Award Notice 2017/18 If self-employed, we will need a copy of annual accounts ended April 2017 or SA302 AND Tax Credit Award Notice 2017/18
No	Please provide a Recent Benefit Letter (JSA, Income Support, ESA, Universal Credit) AND Recent Bank Statements AND Tax Credit Award Notice 2017/18

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Learner Support Fund?

The Learner Support Fund is a discretionary fund for Further Education learners who are on low incomes or facing financial hardship.

Who is eligible to apply?

In order to apply learners must:

• Be over 16 on 31st August 2017
• Have been accepted onto and will be studying a further education course funded by the Skills Funding Agency/Education Funding Agency
• Be a 'home learner'; a person who meets the UK residency criteria.

Who is not eligible to apply?

Learners are not eligible to apply if they:

• Are under 16 on 31st August 2017
• Will be studying a Higher Education course*
• Will be studying a Work Based Learning course
• On an apprenticeship
• Learners who are 24+ on a Level 3 or Level 4 course who have NOT taken out the 24+Advanced Learning Loan or 19-23 year olds who are eligible for the Advanced Learning Loan but have not taken it out
• Do not meet the criteria for UK residency*

* These criteria are subject to change. Please speak to a Welfare Advisor for further guidance.

What can the fund help with?

The Learner Support Fund can provide assistance towards:

• Childcare costs
• Travel costs
• Material fees
• Essential course equipment
• Financial hardship and emergencies

Will the fund cover all my costs?

Only essential course related costs are considered and paid. All learners who require help towards childcare costs must pay a minimum contribution of 10% per child.

What does the support depend on?

As the fund is a hardship fund, it is dependent upon household income. For learners aged between 16-18 on 31 August 2017, this will be based on their parent(s)/carer's income from wages and/or benefits (unless learner is aged 16-18 and living independently). For learners aged 19, living at home and supported financially by parent(s); partner; carer; support can be based on the parent(s); partner; carer's wages and/or benefits.

How do I apply?

Application forms will be available to collect from Student Services from 31 May 2017.

Alternatively, you can call 0116 224 2240 and request that an application form be posted to your home address. There is also an online application but you must print your email receipt and submit it with the required evidence at one of the campus sites. Application forms must be submitted in person along with relevant evidence to Student Services at any campus.

What evidence must be submitted?

You must provide proof of identity and relevant evidence relating to household income. Failure to provide sufficient evidence will result in your application being delayed.

When must the form be submitted?

There is no deadline for submitting forms, however early application is essential. All funding is limited and students who are facing extreme financial hardship will be prioritised.

When will I receive the support?

Learners should receive an allocation letter within 2 weeks of submission. (Please note there may be a delay during busy periods.) No funds will be allocated to learners until they are enrolled.

Do I have to be on a full-time course to apply for help?

No, both full time and part time courses will be considered.

Do I have to be in receipt of benefits to receive help?

No, your individual circumstances will be assessed.

I live with a partner; will their income be taken into account?

Yes, we look at total household income.

I am an asylum seeker. Can I apply for financial assistance?

Yes, asylum seekers can apply for support with travel, materials and childcare.

Will the support I receive impact upon my benefit/my partner’s benefit?

No, the support would not usually have an impact on your/their benefit entitlement (You should inform Jobcentreplus about any funding that you receive).

Is LSF funding automatically carried over to the next year?

No, you must apply each year.

Can I return my application by post?

No, you must submit your application in person to Student Services at any campus, along with all of the relevant evidence which will be photocopied and returned to you.


For more information, please contact Student Services on: 0116 224 2240 ext 2626 / 0116 224 4048