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Financial support when in education or training

Introduction

You may get extra support to help with the costs of studying, working or training. The support you need should be in 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, you will need to make a benefits claim. Student services at your college or training establishment will help you. 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. You can do this until the end of the academic year in which you turn 21. Read about claiming Universal Credit as a student on GOV.UK. 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. Student services at your college or training establishment can provide this. 

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

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