Case 1
“Michelle is starting her NC Animal Care and she needs childcare for her two year old daughter. Her partner is unemployed at the moment but seeking full time employment. She has just applied for childcare funding from the college”.
Michelle is not eligible for any financial assistance with her childcare costs as the college cannot help students if their partners are currently unemployed and at home. However, when the partner starts working and Michelle submits proof of this, then the College can consider her for funding.
Case 2
“Kirsty is a mother of three and unemployed. She is hoping to start her Access to Nursing course soon. Her partner is employed and their current joint household income is just below the acceptable funding limit. Kirsty is worried that according to the childcare funding threshold, she will only be eligible for the minimum childcare support. She is confused about her eligibility for college funding as her partner has changed jobs recently and should qualify for more support from the college”.
Kirsty will only be eligible for the minimum childcare award from the college. The amount of childcare depends on student’s household income based on the partner’s P60, however, if there has been a significant drop in the household income, the college will ask to provide this evidence of change in circumstances, such as partner’s new employment contract and recent wage slips.
Case 3
“Fiona is currently studying HNC Accounting. She will need a childcare provider soon as her mother is unable to look after her little girl anymore. She has just applied for a childcare support from the college. However, her SAAS award letter has been rejected, as she did not apply for the maximum support from the SAAS, including full loan.
Fiona is not eligible for any college financial assistance with her childcare costs. In order to receive any financial assistance from the college she must have applied for the maximum support from the SAAS, including the full loan. When Fiona applies for the maximum support from the SAAS, she must submit evidence, then the College can consider her for assistance.
Case 4
Alison has been accepted onto FE Hairdressing level 5 course and is worried about childcare providers and the costs. Alison is a lone parent with two children under 5 year old and currently receiving Income support and Housing benefit, but wants to apply for the college Bursary and come off her benefits.
Alison is entitled to receive the max childcare funding and the lone parent grant from the College and can remain on all her benefits until her youngest child reaches 5 year old. If Alison stays on her benefits, she will still be required to apply for the books and travel bursary award.