Childcare Grant: up to £199.62 a week for students with children

The Childcare Grant helps full-time higher education students in England who have dependent children. It covers part of the cost of registered childcare while you study. The key points: it does not have to be repaid, and it is paid on top of your other student finance.

How much can you get?

The grant covers 85% of your childcare costs or a fixed maximum — whichever is less. The maximum for the current academic year is £199.62 a week for one child and £342.24 a week for two or more children.

ADV · A001ONLYWAY JEWELRY — gold, silver and platinumRings, chains, bracelets, earrings and pendants. Delivery across the UK.Advertise here

Who is eligible?

You must be studying full time on a higher education course (usually 120 credits or more a year on a single course) and be eligible for student finance. The grant covers children under 15 — or under 17 if the child has special educational needs. The amount depends on your household income (it is means-tested).

What childcare counts?

Only registered or approved childcare qualifies: a nursery, a childminder or an after-school club on the official register. Care provided by close relatives at home usually does not count. The money is generally paid directly to the provider.

How do you apply?

You apply for the Childcare Grant as part of your student finance application to Student Finance England. You give your child's and provider's details, and the provider confirms attendance. Apply early, before the academic year starts, so payments begin on time.

What else is available to student parents?

The Childcare Grant often sits alongside other help: the Parents' Learning Allowance (towards study costs for students with children) and, for some, the Adult Dependants' Grant. These also do not have to be repaid and do not reduce your other benefits — check your eligibility for all of them at once when you apply.