Learner Support Funds

Learner Support Funds

Learner Support Funds are to help you complete a course if you get into financial difficulty while you're studying. They were previously known as Access or Hardship Funds.

Who's eligible

Learner Support Funds are for students aged 16 and over who are on part-time or full-time courses. They are intended to help with specific needs and circumstances not covered by other grants.
To qualify you'll need to have been a UK resident for three years or more. Your college or university will also set its own eligibility rules, which take into account your circumstances and determine the maximum amount you qualify for.

You may be prioritised if you:

• claim means-tested benefits
• claim Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
• have a disability
• suffer from mental illness
• have learning difficulties
• are over 19 and don't have a level 2 qualification
• have been in care or on probation
• are a lone parent.

I already receive other funding - will I still qualify?

You can claim if you're already receiving other funding, including:

• Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)
• Adult Learning Grant (ALG)
• Career Development Loan (CDL)
• Care to Learn
• New Deal for Lone Parents
• Disability Living Allowance (this is ignored when assessing income).

Who doesn't qualify?

You can't claim Learner Support Funds if you're:

• under 16
• receiving full public funding for higher education
• on a New Deal programme (except New Deal for Lone Parents)
• on an apprenticeship scheme or work-based learning course
• on an adult or community education course
• on a learndirect course.

What can I use the funding for?

Learner Support Funds can help you with:

• financial hardship and emergencies
• childcare (which should be Ofsted registered)
• support services if you have a disability
• travel to and from your place of learning
• accommodation costs, if you live away from home
• living costs, if you're studying at a specialist further education institution
• tuition, registration and exam fees
• dance and drama course fees
• essential course related equipment, materials and field trips.

If you qualify, payment could be in cash to you or via a third party, or could pay for goods and services. It could also be a loan, which you have to pay back; or a bursary, which you don't have to pay back.

You may be expected to provide proof of income or expenditure when you apply.

Further information

If you get into financial difficulties while studying, visit the Student Support, Welfare or Guidance Office. Staff there will tell you if you should qualify for other sources of funding, and can suggest ways of re-organising your finances.

This is only an overview of Learner Support Funds. For further advice on eligibility and what you can use the funds for, call us on 0800 100 900 or visit the Directgov funding pages.

Contact your Local Education Authority or learning provider for details of how your local Learner Support Funds work.

You can find info on other types of funding in our funding section.