Money for Further Education

If your teenager goes to college or sixth form (full time) there is help available:

Help for all families

• You can generally claim Child Benefit until your son or daughter is 20, provided the course began before their nineteenth birthday

• There are generally no tuition fees to pay until age 19

Additional help

Education maintenance allowance (EMA)

• Is paid to the young person
• Is worth £10-£30 a week, term time, depending on household income
• Pays bonuses for meeting agreed goals
• Doesn’t affect any other benefits that you may be claiming

The main rules are:

• Your household income should be no more than £30,810
• Your teenager should be age 16-19
• Your teenager should be doing at least 12 hours of guided learning a week at a school, college, e2e or certain other work based learning (see pages 16-17)
• Your teenager must sign a learning agreement

(Figures are for 2008/9)

EMA can now be paid for up to 3 years, with a minimum level of support guaranteed, even if household income changes. (If income falls, the amount can be re-assessed for the following year.)

Sixteen year-olds receiving EMA from 2008/9 are also guaranteed a minimum level of support if they go on to higher education (e.g. as a maintenance grant and loan)

For more information ring the free helpline on 0808 1016 219 or check the EMA website

Learner Support Funds / School Access Scheme

• Can help with some of the costs of a course e.g. books, equipment, visits / field trips
• Are for students in greatest need; eligibility depends on household income and / or family circumstances

For more details contact Sheffield Children and Young People’s Directorate (CYPD) or individual colleges or sixth forms.

Help with transport costs

You can sometimes get help with the cost of your teenager travelling to and from school. In some cases there may be free transport available.

There may also be help with travel / accommodation if your teenager wants to go on a course that isn’t available locally.

For details use the government website, Direct.gov

Help with childcare costs

The Care to Learn fund can help to pay for childcare. The parent should be:

• Aged under 20
• Caring for their own child / children (fathers are eligible if they are the main carer)
• At school / college / e2e or certain work based learning (they must receive some public funding and be non-employed status
• Using a registered childcare provider

For more details, your daughter or son should speak to their Personal Adviser or ring the Care to Learn helpline on 0845 600 2809 or use the government website, Direct.gov

Income Support

Young people who are estranged from their parents / carers and in full time education can be entitled to Income Support.

Remember that financial information can change, so ensure you check Direct.gov for regular updates.