Students aged 18 and under on 31^st July on the year of entry and whose parents are in receipt of certain benefits can apply for help with school meals.

Travel assistance will be provided to home students* if their home is more than 3 miles from the College. Students must be under 19 years of age on 1^st July on the year of entry.

Shortly after you have enrolled at the College, a unique application form will be sent to the email address you supplied at enrolment. Once you have completed the application, it will outline what evidence you need to bring and where to take it.

Students aged 16-19 years may be entitled to EMA. Visit www.emani.gov.uk or phone 0845 601 7646 for further guidance.

EMA is means-tested and dependent on attendance at the College.

Home students* over 19 on 1^st July at year of entry can apply for a Bursary Allowance. This is a new means-tested allowance aimed at low-income families to help with living costs. Bursaries given are up to £2,092 per annum for those living away from home, and £1,674 per annum for those living at home.

Students with dependents may be entitled to a Childcare Allowance if the child is being looked after by a registered childminder.

Students with disabilities who are eligible for a ‘Further Education Award’ may be entitled to a non-means tested ‘Disabled Student’s Allowance’ (DSA). Grants are available to help pay for equipment and non-medical helpers. Students diagnosed as dyslexic are included in this category.

Students aged 18 years or over whose circumstances have changed since enrolment and find themselves in Financial Hardship, may receive help from the SRC Hardship Fund only if they have exhausted all other sources of finance. Students should complete a Hardship Fund application form and return to Campus Services on their campus. Applications will only be accepted when fully completed and supported with all the relevant evidence attached and signed off by the course tutor. Hardship Fund is an exhaustible fund.

Part time students may be entitled to a partial refund of fees for Certified courses if they meet the criteria below:

• Student aged 18 years old or over can apply, or students can apply on or after their 18th birthday.
• Must not be repeating and show academic progression. All forms must be signed by the course tutor.
• Household income between £22,930 and £33,950 could be eligible for assistance with fees paid and also maintenance support.
• Student must pay tuition and exam/registration fees at time of enrolment. Student can complete a Part-Time Fees Assistance Form to claim percentage refund for fees paid.
• In exceptional circumstances where a student cannot pay fees upfront, the student must speak with the Campus Services Coordinator.
• Courses that are 6 hours or more per week, may receive money towards travel. Students must fully complete the course related needs assessment section of the application.
• HE students may be entitled to travel costs only from the Hardship Fund.
• Students in receipt of EMA may be eligible for equipment costs for their course.
• Receipts must be provided and verified by your tutor, for equipment purchased for your course i.e. Hairdressing and Beauty Kits.

Please note, hardship payments are dependent on student attendance.

Find out more at http://hardship.src.ac.uk/ (link only available within College).

Childcare support is available for 16-19 year old parents who are undertaking a full-time or part-time further education course. Assistance with childcare costs is up to a maximum of £165 per week and travel expenses to and from the carer’s premises may be paid.

Students who do not qualify for Care to Learn can apply for childcare support from Student Finance NI, through the FE Grant. Students who have exhausted all other sources and are unable to secure funding, may make an application to the SRC Hardship Fund for support for registered childminder costs during their study.