Financial Hardhsip
If you find yourself with money troubles, then you may be entitled to some support through the University Hardship Fund or a Bursary/Scholarship. You may also wish to speak to the University Financial Support Team who may be able to help with budgeting and cost of living advice.
Save the Student also has some really useful information on financial hardship and the cost of living crisis that's definitely worth taking a look for tips and additional support.
Benefits
Most full-time students cannot claim means-tested state benefits. However, there are some categories who are exempt. The following are examples of such students but this is not the definitive list:
- Lone Parents who have the care of dependent children
- Couples who are both full-time students and have the care of dependent children
- Full-time students in receipt of non-means tested disability benefits (e.g. PIP or new style ESA)
- Note applicants must also have 'limited capability for work' before starting their course
- Part-time or distance learning students
The amount of benefit you may be entitled to will vary with the rules for each benefit and the level of student finance used in the calculation. This is usually a portion of the loan allocated for maintenance.
Just because you may be entitled to claim a benefit does not necessarily mean you will get any additional help.
Trusts and Charities
There are inumerable educational trusts and charities set up to help people in financial need. Their eligibility criteria will vary from organisation to organisation. Some will serve people from specific occupations e.g. the armed services and others are set up to help people from minority groups. Turn2us is a charity that provides a search engine to find potential funders based upon your specific circumstances.