Financial Support

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Financial Support

Learner Support Funds

Eastleigh College administers the Learner Support Funds, which are constituted by government allocation and supplemented by a financial contribution by the College. Learner Support Funds are used to assist Eastleigh College students of any age, who may have difficulties in starting or completing their course because of financial considerations. The Learner Support Fund may assist with Travel expenses, Uniform/Equipment purchases, Essential Field Trips, Childcare, Tuition Fees and we also have a Bursary Scheme to assist eligible Full – Time students with living costs whilst studying.

How do I know if I am eligible to apply?
You must be enrolled on a full or part time course at Eastleigh College for the academic year 2009/10. You may also apply if you are a student enrolled with one of the College's Community Education Centres. (Please note: Part time students may only apply for Childcare assistance).

You must be a resident in the British Isles or European Union, for purposes other than education, for the last three years, or be in receipt of proof from the Home Office of Refugee Status.

Each application is judged on the basis of 'relative financial need' and not all applications are successful. Applications cannot be processed unless the form is completed in full and where required, the necessary evidence provided. Awards are conditional upon continued satisfactory attendance and performance.

Appeals
If you feel that there has been an error in the administrative procedure or that a wrong decision has been reached you may appeal. You should write to the Customer Services Manager within four weeks of receiving a decision. The Appeals Panel will consist of any two from the Customer Services Manager, Head of Provision and another senior member of staff. Their decision will be communicated to you in writing.

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Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

Is it true that some students can be paid to go to college?
This scheme, to help students who decide to go into full time education, will be available to all students who fulfil the conditions below. The money will be paid directly into your bank account weekly, provided your attendance record is excellent. Your attendance must be 100%.

Can I apply?
Yes if you fit into all of these categories:

How much could I get?
You could be entitled to payments of up to £30 per week depending on your parents' income. The weekly rates of EMA payable are £10, £20 or £30.

What is the allowance for?
It is to help you with any costs associated with your course, however exactly how it is spent will be your decision!

And don't forget...
If you make good progress on your course and have an excellent attendance record you could also receive bonus payments.

More details and application forms are available from the EMA website www.direct.gov.uk/ema or on the EMA Helpline 0800 121 8989.

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Adult Learner Grant (ALG)

An Adult Learning Grant(ALG) is intended to help adults studying full time with the costs of learning. The grant pays up to £30 per week (subject to financial assessment) for full-time learners aged 19 and over who are studying for their first full Level 2 or full Level 3 qualification.

More details are available from www.direct.gov.uk/alg or on the ALG Helpline 0800 121 8989.

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Higher Education Financial Support

What financial help could you get?

For more information visit www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance or call student finance England on 0845 300 5090.

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Care to Learn

Young parents aged 16 or over, but under 20, may be able to claim help with childcare costs under this scheme, which is not means tested.

Details are available from:

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Travel Assistance

Many Eastleigh College students use public transport to travel from home to college. To assist with this expense there are different sources of financial help. To qualify for the schemes you must:

Students aged 16-18yrs there are two schemes:

1. Eastleigh College Travel Scheme. This scheme is available to students who are not eligible for a travel pass from their local authority. The assistance is means tested and household income details are required. Application is via the Learner Support Fund.

2. Hampshire County Council and Southampton City Council Schemes. Your local authority may provide assistance with travel costs if you or your parents are receiving certain benefits(HCC) or you are receiving maximum EMA (SCC) and you attend the nearest college to your home offering your course. This scheme provides a full travel pass by public transport from your home address to the college.

To check if you are eligible for the Local Education Authority travel schemes you can contact your Local Education Transport Department:

Students whose households pay their Council Tax to Southampton City Council and receive a full EMA :- contact Tel: 02380 833467

Those students who live elsewhere in Hampshire and are in receipt of Income Support, JSA or Pension Credit :- contact Hampshire County Council Tel: 01962 845332

Students aged 19+

The Learner Support Fund scheme provides travel assistance to Full time students of aged 19 years and over, living more than four miles from college, depending on the household income.

Full details of these schemes and application forms will be sent to you once you have accepted an offer of a place at Eastleigh College.