Student support

HE & Skills Procedures and Guidance for students age 19 plus applying for financial support:  Adult Skills Discretionary Learner Support (DLS)  24 plus Loans Bursary (24+ Loan)  Higher Education Hardship Fund

Introduction The above funds exist to enable students who have been identified as experiencing the greatest need for financial support to remain in education and thereby improve their choices in life.

We recognise that education brings with it a financial burden and for this reason we are likely to receive many more applications than we can approve. We are committed to assessing all applications received in a fair, consistent and objective manner.

As students can apply at any point in the year, we may find the available funds are fully utilised during the year and be unable to consider any further applications from that point. Please note that all three sources of support listed above are limited.

Eligibility and Criteria To be eligible for financial assistance learners must: (1) be an enrolled student as defined by the college; (2) have been ‘ordinarily resident’ in the British Isles or European Economic Area (EEA) for purposes other than education for the last three years, and students must satisfy the residency criterion. This means having a British or Northern Ireland passport, or  Having your passport endorsed to show you have the right of abode in the UK  Having ‘settled status’ in the UK. This guide seeks to outline the eligibility criteria for the following and how to apply:   

Adult Skills Discretionary Learner Support 24 plus Loans Bursary Higher Education Hardship Fund

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Adult Skills Discretionary Learner Support (DLS) DLS is aimed at supporting learners with a specific financial hardship that prevents them from taking part in learning. The specific financial hardship categories are: 19 and over in financial hardship 20 or over with childcare issues Residential Access Fund Learners who are eligible for the fund will not automatically be entitled to it.

(For learners who are 24 plus, on a level 3 or 4 programme and receiving a 24 plus loan, please see the guidance below on the 24 plus Loans Bursary rather than DLS. Higher Education Students should see the advice about the Higher Education Hardship Fund.)

Eligibility for DLS You must meet all the usual eligibility criteria for SFA funding for your main programme of study.

This will be assessed at enrolment. If you are eligible to be funded for your programme of study by the SFA, then you are eligible to apply for DLS. Please seek advice if you are unsure. 

If you are being “fully funded” by the SFA for your programme of study, you may only apply to DLS for support with childcare issues (if you are 20 plus), transport or Residential Access Fund.



Learners who are paying something for their programme of study and are part funded by SFA may apply under any of the three categories, 19 and over in financial hardship, 20 or over with childcare issues, Residential Access Fund.

Learners whose needs would be better supported with the provision of learning support rather than DLS will be advised accordingly.

Income thresholds for eligibility You can apply to the DLS if you, your parent/carer (if you are living at home) or your spouse/partner are receiving “out of work” income based benefits or have a low income. Please see below for income thresholds.

You can apply to the DLS if your household income does not exceed £15,300. For a household with more than one dependent child, the income threshold is £22,000.

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Reasons for which you can apply for DLS: 19+ Hardship Please note, depending on your application, if successful you may be offered items, services or money to enable you to take part in learning. The most suitable means of support will be assessed and discussed with you. Any award made will normally be a contribution towards total costs, not payment in full.

Course related costs e.g. trips, books, equipment

Transport

Exam fees or registration fees You must attach proof of household income/income based benefits to your application as well as indicate your reason (s) for applying.

20+ Childcare Payment for OFSTED registered childcare for childcare required to enable you to attend your course Residential Access Fund

The outcome of your assessment for DLS will be recoded on a learning agreement for you to sign.

Currently the college does not offer programmes with a residential element.

Other You may indicate a need not outlined above

Application Forms Forms can be requested from HE and Skills Admissions. Please contact ljp@asfc.ac.uk or call 0161 6668215. The form can also be downloaded from the College website. We cannot accept on-line applications. Applications must be submitted by paper and must be accompanied by supplementary evidence, as requested.

Incomplete Applications Please ensure that your completed application form is submitted with the supporting evidence we have requested. We cannot process your application without the evidence required and this will almost certainly lead to delays in assessment. No back payments will be made.

Payments or other support If your DLS application is successful, you will be notified of the outcome and the support you are to receive and by what means. Awards are dependent upon full attendance. The College can also stop payments if you do not adhere to the conditions of your Learning Agreement.

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Agreement You will be asked to sign a learning agreement which indicates you are to receive DLS.

Appeals If you believe that the decision regarding your DLS application is incorrect, you should put in a Letter of Appeal to the Senior Admissions Officer at the College address. You will receive a decision on your appeal within two weeks of our receipt of the appeal. If you are still unhappy with the decision, you should use the College’s usual Complaints Procedure.

Future changes This policy and procedure will be updated in accordance with funding body guidance.

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24 + Loans Bursary 24 + Advanced Learning Loans have been introduced from 2013/14. A learner who is taking out a loan in this category who is also facing financial hardship that is a barrier to learning may make an application for additional financial support from the 24 + Loans Bursary. This Bursary is aimed at helping vulnerable learners such as those with learning difficulties or disabilities, parents who need help with childcare and ex-military personnel.

24 + Loans Bursary will be prioritised for the most vulnerable learners. Learners who are eligible for the fund will not automatically be entitled to it. The funding available is limited.

Eligibility You must meet all the usual eligibility criteria for funding for your main programme of study. This will be assessed at both enrolment and when you apply for a loan.

Income thresholds for eligibility You can apply to the 24 + Loans Bursary if you are receiving “out of work” income based benefits or have a low income or other support need you wish us to consider. Please see below for income thresholds.

You can apply for the 24 + Loans Bursary if your household income does not exceed £15,300.

For a household with more than one dependent child, the income threshold is £22,000.

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Awards are generally paid on a monthly basis and funds the following: Hardship Please note, depending on your application, if successful you may be offered items, services or money to enable you to take part in learning. The most suitable means of support will be assessed and discussed with you. Any award made will normally be a contribution towards total costs, not payment in full and will be awarded in monthly increments.

Course related costs e.g. trips, books, equipment (excluding essential course related costs which are covered by your 24+loan)

Transport

Exam fees or registration fees You must attach proof of your household income/income based benefits and/or your circumstances to your application as well as indicate your reason(s) for applying.

Childcare Payment for OFSTED registered childcare for childcare required to enable you to attend your course Residential Access Fund

The outcome of your assessment for this bursary will be recoded on a learning agreement for you to sign and your progress and needs will be regularly reviewed.

Currently the college does not offer programmes with a residential element.

Learners receiving the bursary for Learning Support will be required to attend an assessment with the Learning Support Team and a programme of learning support will be recorded in your learning agreement and records of progress maintained.

Learning Support Learning Support such as in class support or additional learning support with the ALS team.

(Note that in this case, payment is not made to you but is paid to the college to fund your learning support if it is being provided by the college)

To apply you will need to complete the application and provide a copy of your letter from Student Finance England showing details of your approved loan.

Other You may indicate a need not outlined above

Application Forms Forms can be requested from HE and Skills Admissions. Please contact ljp@asfc.ac.uk or call 0161 6668215. The form can also be downloaded from the College website. We cannot accept on-line applications. Applications must be submitted by paper and must be accompanied by supplementary evidence, as requested.

Incomplete Applications Please ensure that your completed application form is submitted with the supporting evidence we have requested. We cannot process your application without the evidence required and this will almost certainly lead to delays in assessment. No back payments will be made.

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Payments or other support If your application is successful, you will be notified of the outcome and the support you are to receive and by what means. Awards are dependent upon full attendance. The College can also stop payments if you do not adhere to the conditions of your Learning Agreement.

Agreement You will be asked to sign a learning agreement which indicates you are to receive 24+ Loans Bursary.

Appeals If you believe that the decision regarding your 24+ Loans Bursary application is incorrect, you should put in a Letter of Appeal to the Senior Admissions Officer at the College address. You will receive a decision on your appeal within two weeks of our receipt of the appeal. If you are still unhappy with the decision, you should use the College’s usual Complaints Procedure.

Future changes This policy and procedure will be updated in accordance with funding body guidance.

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Higher Education Hardship Fund Higher Education students in financial hardship who need extra help to start a course or stay in higher education, can apply for help from the Higher Education Hardship Fund. If successful with your application, any money you get is paid on top of your other student finance.

The amount you can get is decided by the college depending upon your circumstances as reflected in your application. Most awards are grants that don’t have to be paid back, although some are loans that do have to be paid back. Money can be paid in a lump sum or in instalments.

Eligibility You must meet all the usual eligibility criteria for funding for your main programme of study. This will be assessed at both enrolment and when you apply for a loan.

You can apply to the Higher Education Hardship Fund if you’re studying a higher education course that’s:  full-time  part-time  undergraduate  postgraduate Money from this fund won’t usually be counted as income when working out your entitlement to any benefits or tax credits, unless it’s for day-to-day living costs.

If you’re a part-time student you may qualify if your course:   

lasts at least 1 year takes no more than twice as long to complete as an equivalent full-time course takes no more than 4 times as long to complete as an equivalent full-time course if you’re a new student starting after September 2012

Please note that the College handles Higher Education Hardship applications for full time higher education students who fall within the college’s HEFCE (Higher Education Funding Council for England) contract – the college receives an allocation based on its direct funding contract with HEFCE. Please check first whether you can apply to the college’s Higher Education Hardship Fund. Part time students (and full time Foundation Year Health students) should apply to the University’s Hardship Fund. The University will have its own guidance and procedures for this fund. Forms are available from the University’s Student Advice Centre on 01782 294469 or please see their website.

Income thresholds for eligibility for the college’s Higher Education Hardship Fund You can apply if you are receiving “out of work” income based benefits or have a low income or other support needs you wish us to consider. Please see below for income thresholds.

You must apply for any student loans, grants and bursaries you’re entitled to before applying for the Higher Education Hardship Fund.

You can apply for Higher Education Hardship Fund if your household income does not exceed £15,300. For a household with more than one dependent child, the income threshold is £22,000.

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Categories for Higher Education Hardship Fund applications - financial hardship priority groups Mature students - especially those with existing The most suitable means of support will be financial commitments assessed and discussed with you. Any award made will normally be a contribution towards total costs, not payment in full.

Students from low-income families (as determined by the college) You must attach proof of your household income/income based benefits and/or your circumstances to your application as well as Disabled students indicate your reason(s) for applying.

The outcome of your assessment for the Higher Education Hardship Fund will be recorded on a learning agreement for you to sign and your progress and needs will be regularly reviewed.

Students with children - especially single parents. The care must be with an OFSTED registered provider.

Care leavers (if you’ve been in care) To apply, you will need to complete the application and provide a copy of your letter from Student Finance England showing how much student finance you’ll get and documents about your finances.

Students who are homeless or who are living in ‘Foyers’ (these provide accommodation, guidance and support for homeless young people) Final-year students

Other – you may indicate a need not outlined above

Application Forms Forms can be requested from HE and Skills Admissions. Please contact ljp@asfc.ac.uk or call 0161 6668215. The form can also be downloaded from the College website. We cannot accept on-line applications. Applications must be submitted by paper and must be accompanied by supplementary evidence, as requested.

Incomplete Applications Please ensure that your completed application form is submitted with the supporting evidence we have requested. We cannot process your application without the evidence required and this will almost certainly lead to delays in assessment. No back payments will be made.

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Payments or other support If your application is successful, you will be notified of the outcome and the support you are to receive and by what means. Awards are dependent upon full attendance. The College can also stop payments if you do not adhere to the conditions of your Learning Agreement.

Agreement You will be asked to sign a learning agreement which indicates you are to receive the Higher Education Hardship Fund.

Appeals If you believe that the decision regarding your application is incorrect, you should put in a Letter of Appeal to the Senior Admissions Officer at the College address. You will receive a decision on your appeal within two weeks of our receipt of the appeal. If you are still unhappy with the decision, you should use the College’s usual Complaints Procedure.

Future changes This policy and procedure will be updated in accordance with funding body guidance.

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APPLICATION FOR SUPPORT FROM THE DISCRETIONARY LEARNER SUPPORT FUND 14/15 PART-TIME STUDENT Please read the information on this page carefully. If you do not understand any of the points, please ask the Senior Admissions Officer. Learner Support Funds are used to assist students who may have difficulties in completing their course because of financial considerations.

To be eligible for financial assistance from the Learner Support Fund you must: (1) be an enrolled student as defined by the college; (2) have been ‘ordinarily resident’ in the British Isles or European Economic Area (EEA/EU) for purposes other than education for the last three years.

Please remember that each application is judged on the basis of ‘relative financial need’ and that not all applications will be successful.

Your completed application form should be delivered to the Senior Admissions Officer, Higher Education and Skills, as soon as possible, as funds are limited and will be distributed on a first come first served basis.

To qualify for the Discretionary Learner Support fund you will need to meet one of the following criteria 19 and over in financial hardship –for course related costs such as trips, books, equipment, transport, exam fees and registration fees.

20 or over with childcare issues (childcare to be provided by an Ofsted registered

Tick

childminder or childminder agency).

Residential Access Fund Other need not outlined above *If you are being ‘Fully Funded’ by the SFA for your programme of study you may apply to DLS for support with childcare (if you are 20 plus), transport and residential costs only.

You will also need to meet the criteria below You, your parent/carer (if you are living at home) or your spouse/partner are receiving ‘out of work’ income based benefits or have a low income and Your household income does not exceed £15, 300 or For a household with more than one dependent child, the income threshold is £22,000

Tick

Please note: you will need to provide evidence that you fall into the above categories, so attach copies of any relevant documentation (household income, income based benefit letters).

Please give your reason/s for applying for support below: (Please attach any relevant documentation e.g. childcare invoice, transport costs) Course related costs – trips, books, equipment - transport - exam fees or registration fees - 20 + childcare - residential access fund - other need

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Please complete all the details required, in full. If you do not provide the information requested, your application will not be considered.

Title: Forenames: Surname: Address:

Postcode:

Daytime telephone number:

Date of Birth:

Evening telephone number:

Age at 31/08/14:

Course(s) you are enrolled on at the college: Tutor:

Timetabled hours each week:

Please indicate if you have already received an award from the Discretionary Learner Support Fund during this academic year 2014/15?

Yes No If yes, what amount(s) have you £ received?

By signing this form you are agreeing to the following: 

If I leave before the completion of the course I understand I may have to repay some or all of any award issued up to that date.



If my attendance proves to be unsatisfactory I understand any award made could be withheld.



I am not already receiving help with travel or childcare costs (if applicable to claim) from JobCentre Plus or a Work Programme provider in connection with pre-employment training.



I will disclose the amount received to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) if applicable. (Please note: DLS payments may affect your eligibility to some benefits).



I certify that the information I have provided above is correct.



I agree to sign a Learning Agreement recording the outcome of my DLS Fund assessment.

Signed: (student) Outcome Approved or rejected?

Date:

First stage approval: Assistant Principal Higher Education, Skills & International

Final approval: Vice Principal Finance & Resources

Date: Rate/amount awarded and payment details:

Date:

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APPLICATION FOR SUPPORT FROM THE 24+ LOANS BURSARY 14/15 Please read the information on this page carefully. If you do not understand any of the points, please ask the Senior Admissions Officer. 24+ Loans Bursary Funds are used to assist students who may have difficulties in completing their course because of financial considerations.

To be eligible for financial assistance from the 24+ Loans Bursary you must: (1) be an enrolled student as defined by the college; (2) have been ‘ordinarily resident’ in the British Isles or European Economic Area (EEA/EU) for purposes other than education for the last three years.

Please remember that each application is judged on the basis of ‘relative financial need’ and that not all applications will be successful.

Your completed application form should be delivered to the Senior Admissions Officer, Higher Education and Skills, as soon as possible, as funds are limited and will be distributed on a first come first served basis.

Tick To qualify for the 24+ Loans Bursary fund you will need to meet one of the following criteria Aged 24 and over in financial hardship e.g. trips, books, equipment, transport Aged 24 and over with childcare issues (childcare to be provided by an Ofsted registered childminder or childminder agency).

Aged 24 and over and require help from residential access fund Aged 24 and over and require learning support Aged 24 and over and have another need not outlined above

You will also need to meet the criteria below

Tick

You or your spouse/partner are receiving ‘out of work’ income based benefits or have a low income and Your household income does not exceed £15, 300 or For a household with more than one dependent child, the income threshold is £22,000

Please note: you will need to provide evidence that you fall into the above categories, so attach copies of any relevant documentation (household income, income based benefit letters).

Please also provide a copy of your letter from Student Finance England showing details of your approved loan.

Please give your reason/s for applying for support below: (Please attach any relevant documentation e.g. childcare invoice, transport costs)

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Please complete all the details required, in full. If you do not provide the information requested, your application will not be considered.

Title: Forenames: Surname: Address: Postcode:

Daytime telephone number:

Date of Birth:

Evening telephone number:

Age at 31/08/14:

Course(s) you are enrolled on at the college: Tutor:

Timetabled hours each week:

Please indicate if you have already received an award from the 24+ Loans Bursary during this academic year 2014/15?

Yes No If yes, what amount(s) have you £ received?

By signing this form you are agreeing to the following:  If I leave before the completion of the course I understand I may have to repay some or all of any award issued up to that date. 

If my attendance proves to be unsatisfactory I understand any award made could be withheld.



I will disclose the amount received to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) if applicable. (Please note: 24+ loans bursary payments may affect your eligibility to some benefits).



I certify that the information I have provided above is correct.



I agree to sign a Learning Agreement recording the outcome of my 24+ Loan Bursary Assessment.

Signed: (student) Outcome Approved or rejected?

Date:

First stage approval: Assistant Principal Higher Education, Skills & International

Final approval: Vice Principal Finance & Resources

Date: Rate/amount awarded and payment details:

Date:

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HIGHER EDUCATION COURSES APPLICATION FOR SUPPORT FROM THE HIGHER EDUCATION HARDSHIP FUND 14/15 FULL-TIME STUDENT Please read the information on this page carefully. If you do not understand any of the points, please ask the Senior Admissions Officer. The H.E. Hardship Fund is used to assist students who may have difficulties in completing their course because of financial considerations.

To be eligible for financial assistance from the H.E. Hardship Fund you must: (1) be an enrolled student on a full time Ashton Sixth Form College Higher Education programme as defined by the college; (2) have been ‘ordinarily resident’ in the British Isles or European Economic Area (EEA/EU) for purposes other than education for the last three years.

Please remember that each application is judged on the basis of ‘relative financial need’ and that not all applications will be successful.

Your completed application form should be delivered to the Senior Admissions Officer, Higher Education and Skills, as soon as possible, as funds are limited and will be distributed on a first come first served basis.

To qualify for the Higher Education Hardship Fund you will need to meet one of the following criteria

Tick

Mature student with existing financial commitments e.g. trips, books, equipment, transport Student from a low-income family Disabled student Student with children -especially single parents (childcare to be provided by an Ofsted registered childminder or childminder agency).

Care leavers (if you’ve been in care) Student who is homeless or who is living in ‘Foyers’ Final-year student Other need not outlined above Tick You will also need to meet the criteria below You, your parent/carer (if you are living at home) or your spouse/partner are receiving ‘out of work’ income based benefits or have a low income and Your household income does not exceed £15, 300 or For a household with more than one dependent child, the income threshold is £22,000

Please note: you will need to provide evidence that you fall into the above categories, so attach copies of any relevant documentation (household income, income based benefit letters).

Please also provide a copy of your letter from Student Finance England showing details of your approved loan.

Please give your reason/s for applying for support below: (Please attach any relevant documentation e.g. childcare invoice, transport costs) -

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Please complete all the details required, in full. If you do not provide the information requested, your application will not be considered.

Title: Forenames: Surname: Address: Daytime telephone number:

Postcode: Date of Birth:

Evening telephone number:

Age at 31/08/14:

Course(s) you are enrolled on at the college: Tutor: Timetabled hours each week: Please indicate if you have already received an award from the H.E. Hardship Fund during this academic year 2014/15?

Yes No If yes, what amount(s) have you £ received?

By signing this form you are agreeing to the following: 

If I leave before the completion of the course I understand I may have to repay some or all of any award issued up to that date.



If my attendance proves to be unsatisfactory I understand any award made could be withheld.



I will disclose the amount received to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) if applicable. (Please note: H.E. Hardship Fund payments may affect your eligibility to some benefits).



I certify that the information I have provided above is correct.



I agree to sign a Learning Agreement recording the outcome of my H.E. Hardship Fund Assessment.

Signed: (student) Date: Outcome Approved or rejected?

First stage approval: Assistant Principal Higher Education, Skills & International

Final approval: Vice Principal Finance & Resources

Date: Rate/amount awarded and payment details:

Date:

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