Financial support when in education or training

You may be entitled to extra support to help with the costs of studying, working or training. If you are over 18, not all courses are free.

The support you need should be written into your pathway plan. Speak to your personal adviser for more information.

Returning to full-time learning

If you work, or were working, and want to return to full-time learning at a college or training establishment, you will need to make a benefits claim.   

Student services at your college or training establishment will be able to help you with this. You will need to:

• Make the benefit claim from the start of your course 
• State that you are a care leaver and are returning to full-time learning 
• Prove that you have enrolled on a course 

If you are unemployed

If you claim benefits as a care leaver, you can return to full-time education and still claim benefits until the end of the academic year in which you turn 21. Read about claiming Universal Credit as a student. You will need to:

• Let your work coach know. Your claim type will change and you will:
  • No longer need to sign on  
  • No longer need to meet with your work coach  
  • No longer need to do any activities to find a job 
  • Need to prove that you are studying. Ask student services at your college or training establishment, who can provide this proof for you

It is your responsibility to tell your work coach when you finish studying. If you do not you will be making a fraudulent claim. This could result in a criminal conviction.