Extra Help for Full-time Students with Children or Adult Dependants

Childcare Grant

A non-repayable Childcare Grant, based on income, may be available to full-time students with dependent children in accredited childcare as long as neither you or your partner are claiming Tax Free Childcare, or the childcare element of Universal Credit. In 2025/26, the amount of the grant is up to £199.62 per week based on 85% of actual childcare costs for one child only, or £342.24 per week for two or more children.

Further information available at: www.gov.uk/childcare-grant 

Childcare Grant Payment Method

Student Finance England (SFE) make childcare payments directly to your childcare provider. When the provider makes a request for payment SFE will contact you for your approval of the invoice amount and for you to release payment from your Childcare Grant account. 85% of each bill can be paid through your SFE childcare grant account and you will need to pay the remaining 15% yourself.

Parents' Learning Allowance

The non-repayable Parents’ Learning Allowance provides help for course-related expenses to eligible students who have dependent children. The amount you will receive is based on your income and that of your dependents (including husband, wife or partner). In 2025/26, the maximum allowance paid is £2,024 a year. Applications should be made to Student Finance England.

Further information available at: www.gov.uk/parents-learning-allowance

Universal Credit

Universal Credit is available to some groups of students, for example those with children or with a disability and classed as having limited capability for work. To avoid an overpayment, you should notify DWP that you are a full-time student, so they include your student finance income in their calculation.
When calculating entitlement the DWP only include the element of student finance awarded for general living costs as income. It disregards £4,461 (known as the Special Support element) of the Maintenance Loan, Parents Learning Allowance, the Childcare Grant, and also an amount for books and travel.
For details visit www.gov.uk/guidance/universal-credit-and-students
Students receiving Universal Credits with a net household income (not including benefits) of £7,400 pa are entitled to free school meals for their children. 

To find out whether you are eligible for Universal Credits you should contact the Department for Work & Pensions on 0800 328 5644 or find information online at www.gov.uk/universal-credit

Adult Dependants' Grant

If you have a partner or other adult, usually a member of your family, for example a partner in receipt of means tested benefits, who depends on you financially, then you may be eligible for an Adult Dependants’ Grant through Student Finance England. The amount you will receive depends on your income and that of your adult dependant. In 2025/26, the amount of the grant is up to £3,545 a year.  

Further information available at: www.gov.uk/adult-dependants-grant