The Education Funding Authority has allocated money to colleges to support students who are on low incomes or the dependent of parents on a low income, and need support towards their course-related costs or essential living costs or are facing financial difficulty.
In order to qualify for assistance from the 16-19 Bursary Fund, you must fulfil the following criteria.
General eligibility
- Be aged 16-18 on 31st August 2021 or
- Be aged 19 or over on 31st August 2021 and continuing a course you began aged 16-18 (19+ continuers) or
- Have an Educational Health Care Plan or
- Enrolled on a 16-18 traineeship programme
And
- A home student for fee assessment purposes.
- On a course/programme of study that is subject to inspection by a public body that assures quality (e.g. Ofsted) and the provision must be:
- Funded by the EFA or via a local authority.
- Funded or co-financed by the European Social Fund or publicly funded and lead to a qualification (up to level 3) that is accredited by Ofqual or is pursuant to Section 98 of the Leaning and Skills Act 2000.
When allocating resources, the College may consider other exceptional circumstances e.g. Young carers, young people who have caring responsibilities but are not in receipt of Carer’s Allowance.
Financial eligibility (your personal or family circumstances)
You must meet the following economically disadvantaged criteria:
- Be a dependent of someone who is:
- on a low income e.g. on Income Support / Job Seekers Allowance
- or Employment Support Allowance
- or whose parent(s)/carer(s) have an income not exceeding £27,500 per annum
In addition, the college will have a contingency fund to support learners who are at risk of withdrawal as a result of financial difficulties with or without the above income evidence. E.g. young learners living independently and working to support themselves financially who are unable to access DWP benefits / Universal Credit.
Young carers will be supported to make applications for bursary funding.
Assessment of eligibility
- Evidence of family income is within the threshold of £27,500 per annum. This may be evidenced by presentation of a Tax Credit Award Notice or documentation from HMRC showing actual income for the tax year 2020-21 or a P45 in exceptional circumstances.
- A parent or nominated guardian’s evidence of Child Benefit & DWP Letter confirming receipt of a means-tested benefit dated within the last 3 months
Payments
- Distribution of funds will be dependent on the number of eligible applications received.
- The first payment will be made in mid-October.
- Subsequent payments will be made fortnightly.
- The payments will be based on a minimum of 87% attendance each week.
- Payments will be made into the student’s own bank account.
