Many single parents take on the challenge of studying as a single parent successfully. If you’re thinking about going to college or university there are lots of things to plan, as well as the major decision about what to study.
Some key things to consider are:
Depending on what type of course you will be doing, and how much of your time will be taken up with your studies; you may decide to reduce your working hours. You might even decide to leave your job completely.
If you’re currently receiving tax credits and leave your job or reduce your hours, the amount of tax credits you receive will probably change.
If you don’t currently receive tax credits, and are reducing your working hours or leaving your job, you may be able to start claiming them when you start your course. Find out how to make a claim.
Don’t forget to check whether you’ll be entitled to benefits once you reduce your hours or leave work.
If you haven’t used childcare regularly before see this guide to find out about providers and costs, as well as tax credits and other funding.
There are several schemes that offer financial support for childcare while you study at a further education college. Discretionary learner support, is available directly through your college to pay for childcare while you study. There is also a care-to-learn childcare scheme for those aged under 20.
If you’re thinking of studying at a university there are childcare schemes and support available including the childcare grant.
If you are a parent and would like to find out more about our Family Grant Scheme please fill in the following form to request a call back.
If you are a parent and would like to find out more about our Student-Parent Grant Scheme please fill in the following form to request a call back.
(01274) 223292
The Work and Kids Project is a not-for-profit social enterprise that is dedicated to helping parents and young families across the UK achieve financial and emotional independence.
