Parents' Learning Allowance: up to £2,024 a year for students with children

The Parents' Learning Allowance (PLA) is a payment for full-time higher education students in England who have dependent children. It helps with study-related costs that arise precisely because you are combining study with raising a child. It is a grant, not a loan: you do not repay it.

How much can you get?

The amount depends on your household income (it is means-tested) and runs from £50 to £2,024 a year for each year of your course. The lower your household income, the closer the payment is to the maximum.

Who is eligible?

You must be studying full time on a higher education course (or a course of at least 120 credits funded through the Lifelong Learning Entitlement) and have at least one dependent child. You cannot get PLA at the same time as a Postgraduate Loan.

Does it affect your benefits?

No. Parents' Learning Allowance does not reduce your benefits or tax credits and is paid on top of your other student finance. It is separate money for study-related costs, not part of your main loan.

How do you apply?

You apply for PLA as part of your student finance application to Student Finance England. You will confirm your household income and list your dependent children. Apply early, before the academic year starts, so the money arrives on time.

What else student parents can get

PLA almost always goes alongside other support for students with children: the Childcare Grant (up to 85% of registered childcare costs) and, for some, the Adult Dependants' Grant (if an adult depends on you financially). None of these have to be repaid. When you apply for student finance, it is worth checking your eligibility for the whole package at once — many people miss out simply because they do not know these exist.