The short answerIf you’re a student and an adult depends on you financially, you may be able to apply for an Adult Dependants’ Grant of up to £3,545.
You apply on your main student finance application.
Quick facts
- Up to
- £3,545 a year
- Repaid?
- No
- Benefits
- Affects income-related benefits
- Household income
- Not over £15,835.98
- Who
- Full-time higher education students
Who counts as an adult dependant
To get an Adult Dependants’ Grant, another adult must depend on you financially. They cannot be any of the following:
- your child
- a relative who earns more than £3,796 a year
- getting student finance
- your partner if you’re under 25 - unless you’re married or in a civil partnership
If your course starts on or after 1 August 2026, the adult who depends on you must live in the UK.
When you are not eligible
You’re also not eligible if:
- your household income (your own taxable income plus that of anyone else living in your household) is over £15,835.98
- you’re getting a Postgraduate Loan
What you get
The maximum Adult Dependants’ Grant is £3,545.
You do not have to pay this money back.
Adult Dependants’ Grant will affect any income-related benefits you might get.
Common questions
How much is the Adult Dependants' Grant?
Up to £3,545.
Can my partner count?
Yes, unless you are under 25 and not married or in a civil partnership.
Does it affect benefits?
Yes. It will affect any income-related benefits you might get.
Do I pay it back?
No. You do not have to pay this money back.
Sources, read 12 October 2026. Every figure and rule on this page comes from one of these official pages. If one changes, this page is wrong until we fix it — tell us and we will.