These come on top of the standard student finance package, so apply for them at the same time.
Quick facts
- Childcare Grant, one child
- Up to £148.75 a week
- Childcare Grant, two or more
- Up to £255 a week
- Parents' Learning Allowance
- Up to £1,538 a year
- Disabled Students' Allowance
- Extra help, not repaid
- Repaid?
- None of these
Childcare Grant
For full-time students with children under 15, or under 17 with special needs, in qualifying childcare. It pays 85 per cent of costs: up to £148.75 a week for one child (on costs up to £175) or £255 for two or more (on costs up to £300). The amount depends on household income and actual costs.
The childcare must be registered with a Health and Social Services Trust, or an approved home childcare provider. Care by your partner, or by a relative in your child's home, does not qualify.
Parents' Learning Allowance
Helps with course costs such as books, materials and travel. The maximum is £1,538 a year, depending on household income, and you can get it even without the Childcare Grant.
Disabled students
Disabled Students' Allowance gives extra help on top of the reasonable adjustments your university makes, for an impairment, a health condition including mental health, or a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia. It is not repaid. You may also be able to claim PIP, and keep ESA while you study.
Common questions
How much is the Childcare Grant for NI students?
85% of childcare costs, up to £148.75 a week for one child or £255 a week for two or more.
How much is the Parents' Learning Allowance?
Up to £1,538 a year, depending on household income.
Do I have to pay back the Childcare Grant?
No. The Childcare Grant, Parents' Learning Allowance and Disabled Students' Allowance are not repaid.