Funding, Bursaries & Loans

Is the Financial Support Fund still open for 2019/ 20 and how can I apply?

• The Financial Support Fund is still open and welcoming applications until the close of business on Friday 26 June 2020…
• If you have already applied and your circumstances have changed (i.e. coronavirus has affected income, loss of employment or benefits), then we encourage you to re-apply.
• You can find out more information and apply by downloading our application form for 2019/20 from the Buxton and Leek College Website.
• In the event the Buxton/ Leek and Derby campus is ordered to close by the Government, the Financial Support Fund team will still be available to answer queries via email, but may not be able to access any paper records.
• In this instance please send any application forms, evidence or correspondence via email to financialsupportfund@blc.ac.uk and highly recommend you password protect all sensitive information and contact us separately with the password.
• All information received will be processed in line with GDPR.

 

For further updates regarding current coronavirus concerns:

W: blc.ac.uk/news/important-update-information-university-buxton-leek-college-students-13th-march-2020/

E: phconcerns@blc.ac.uk

 What will happen to my Free College Meals Payment if you close to help reduce the spread of coronavirus?

We will aim to pay you directly for the period we are closed (for those in receipt of a meals allowance on a card). This payment should be with you by close of business on Tuesday 23 March at the latest.This payment will be made on a weekly/fortnightly basis and the amount will be dependent on your attendance prior to the campus closing.

An email will be sent to your unimail account to confirm this information.

If your bank account details have altered recently, please let us know as soon as possible.

Are you contacting us to find out if an update has been made in regards to your Financial Support Fund Application?

Please be aware that following your initial receipt email, you will receive all further correspondence via your student Unimail account.Processing applications can take up to four weeks from the date a completed application is received, including supporting evidence.Please be patient.

Can’t access your unimail account?

Let us know, and we will send you instructions to show you how to access it.

Are you contacting us to find out when your Financial Support Fund Term 3 payment will be?

Please be aware this will be paid to you at the end of April/beginning of May.You will receive a confirmation email to your Unimail account nearer the time, confirming if you have met our 85% threshold, what the payment amount will be and the exact payment date.

Are you a childcare provider forwarding us a new invoice?

All childcare payments are processed by close of business on a Wednesday. Any invoices received on a Thursday or Friday will be processed the following week.

You will always receive a confirmation email confirming if the student has met our 85% threshold, what the amount will be, and the exact payment date.

Will I still get childcare help whilst the campus is closed?

Yes we will still pay our childcare contribution, these payments are term time only for the days you are on your course.

Help, I’ve not been paid my Bursary or Childcare contribution?

This can happen from time to time when incorrect bank details have been given or an account does not accept BACS.Please ensure you check your account between the Friday and Monday when you were due to be paid.

In the event the Bursary is not in your account, then contact us straight away.

We will need to check your details match our system, and if they do we, will then instruct our Finance department to investigate further.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause as in some instances this can take between 3-5 additional working days.

The 16 – 19 Bursary fund is a discretionary and limited source of financial help for students who are aged under 19 and experiencing hardship. Students facing genuine financial difficulties may be awarded a bursary at the discretion of Buxton & Leek College. Students most in need will be eligible to receive a bursary of £1,200 a year. This group includes people in care, care leavers, those claiming Income support/ Universal Credit in their own name and disabled young people in receipt of Employment Support Allowance/ Universal Credit and Disability Living Allowance/ Personal Independence Payment in their own name. Bursary payments issued will be dependent on attendance and behaviour monitoring.

DOWNLOAD 16-19 Bursary Fund application:

Financial Support Application Form 2019 20

FREE COLLEGE MEALS 

If you are a College student studying at Buxton and Leek College you may be eligible for Free College Meals. If eligible, an allowance will be provided for the days that you are in college and on placement.

This allowance can be redeemed in the Balcony Cafe and the Dome cafe at Buxton and the Gallery at Leek.

To be eligible you must be:

• Aged between 16 and 18 years old (as at 31 August 2018); if you turn 19 during the academic year you remain eligible until the end of the academic year or your course of study finishes, whichever is sooner.
• Aged between 19 and 25 and are eligible for a Learning Difficulty Assessment (LDA) or an Educational Health and Care Plan (EHC Plan).

And you or your parents must be in receipt of one of the following benefits:

• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• The Guaranteed element of the State Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit (provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit) and have an annual gross Income of no more than £16,190, as assessed by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs

How do I apply? 

No extra forms are needed to be completed, just tick the relevant box on the  Financial Support Fund Application Form 2018 19. For further information or advice, please speak with a Student Adviser.

Do you have Children and want to study at College?

If so, you may be eligible for financial support towards childcare during your study

If you are 20 or over, have young children pre school age (between 6 months to 4 years) and are in a priority group, you may be eligible for chilcare support. For example:

• If you are under 20 years old and need assistance with the cost of childcare, you may be able to apply for funding through the Government’s Care to Learn Scheme
• For students aged 20+ who have a household income below £25,000.00, it may be possible for the Learner Support Fund to contribute towards childcare costs
• If you are 19 years old you should apply to ”Care to Learn” for childcare funding.

For the points above, the following detail applies:

You must be using an OFSTED registered provider which may be a Nursery, pre-school setting or childminder. ‌

If you need support looking for the right childcare for your son or daughter, we have a list of Registered Childcare Providers

*Please also note some 2 year olds and all 3 and 4 year olds are entitled to 30 hours of free nursery education – this entitlement must be used before making a claim for assistance with childcare

You can apply before enrolment or during the academic year.

Important Information: The College can only pay a contribution towards the cost of childcare during the weeks and sessions when you are timetabled to be at College and during the College term-time. The College does not pay for Christmas, Easter or Summer Holidays. Costs incurred above the support granted are the responsibility of the parent to fund.

Funding Available during pregnancy

If you are currently pregnant and need help towards the cost of your baby, you may be entitled to the Sure Start Maternity Grant, which is a one-off payment of £500 to help towards the costs of having a child.

You will usually qualify for the grant if both of the following apply:

• you’re expecting your first child, or you’re expecting a multiple birth (such as twins) and have children already
• you or your partner already get certain benefits

Please contact Student Wellbeing for further information

The Learner Support Fund is a discretionary and limited source of financial help for students who are aged 19 and over and are experiencing hardship. It may be possible for the College to make a contribution towards childcare costs for students who are in receipt of a state benefit. However, please note that there is no guarantee that this will be possible, or what percentage of the overall cost the College will be able to meet.

 

Please note: There are no guarantees that you will receive money from the fund – not all students who apply will receive an award. You should not therefore base any decisions about coming to Buxton & Leek College on an assumption that you will receive an award.

DOWNLOAD the learner support FUND APPLICATION:

Financial Support Application Form 2019 20

The Advanced Learning Loan Bursary is a discretionary and limited source of financial help for students who are experiencing hardship.There are no guarantees that you will receive money from the fund – not all students who apply will receive an award. You should not therefore base any decisions about coming to College on an assumption that you will receive an award. It may be possible for the College to make a contribution towards childcare cost for students who are in receipt of a state benefit. However, please note that there is no guarantee that this will be possible, or what percentage of the overall cost the College will be able to meet.

Please note: There are no guarantees that you will receive money from the fund – not all students who apply will receive an award. You should not therefore base any decisions about coming to Buxton & Leek College on an assumption that you will receive an award.

DOWNLOAD THE A.L.L Bursary FUND APPLICATION:

Financial Support Application Form 2019 20

Are you thinking of improving your career options, but worried about the cost of tuition? From August 1 2016, if you’re aged 19 or over you can study on a course and pay no upfront tuition fees by taking out a Government Advanced Learner Loan. The loan is easy to apply for, doesn’t take your household income into account and doesn’t involve a credit check. It will fund most college courses at Level 3 and above.

For more information visit www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan/overview

If you are facing financial hardship, you may be able to apply to a charitable trust for support.

There are many charitable trusts with different criteria. Support may be limited to students studying certain subjects, living in certain areas, or of a specific age group.

If you qualify in some way, you may be eligible for:

• A Bursary – which you wouldn’t have to pay back
• A Loan – which you would have to pay back
• A charitable trust to purchase goods on your behalf

If you feel that you need extra financial support, and are not sure where to start, make an appointment with our Student Adviser for further guidance. Alternatively, visit turn2us for information about applying to charities.

Local Charities:

binghamtrust.org.uk  – Financial support for people who live in Buxton studying in Further Education.
Fairfield School Foundation – Financial support for people living in the Fairfield area of Buxton.
Burbage Education Fund  – Financial support for people living in the Burbage area of Buxton.
gingerbread.org.uk – is a charity for single parents where you can find expert advice and practical support.

Fee REMISSION THROUGH THE SKILLS FUNDING AGENCY (SFA)

If you meet certain criteria relating to your age and/or benefits you may already receive, you may not be charged your tuition fees if – this is known as fee remission. Find out more on the Skills Funding Agency’s website click here. 

T‌he College is committed to supporting all of its students, and have a dedicated support service for those who come from a background in care.

We recognise that some of these students may face particular challenges in relation to finances, and may have experienced disruption in their schooling.

How can we help?

It is really important to let the college know you are looked after or a care leaver to make sure you get the right support and information. Colleges have to keep this information confidential (so your friends and college tutors won’t know if you don’t want them to) and it should mean that you get much more support. For example, we can offer a young person an appointment with a Student Adviser over the Summer prior to you starting your course, to make sure you are aware of any funding available.

If you don’t mention you are looked after or a care leaver this may have an impact on your ability to access your study. If this relates to you, please contact Student Wellbeing.

Ongoing financial advice available

Once you start at College, our Student Adviser can arrange to meet with you each term to offer support, advice and information. You may also be eligible for support towards the costs of your study.

Other useful links
A National Voice – a dedicated advice and help for young people who have been, or are currently in care. The service is run by young people who have been in care themselves.
Become Charity (formerly known as The Who Cares Trust) – a champion for children and young people in the UK living in care. They believe that every child in care should receive the support, encouragement and opportunities they need to enjoy their life and to achieve.
Coram Voice – enables and equips children and young people to hold to account the services that are responsible for their care. The service uphold the rights of children and young people to actively participate in shaping their own lives.

Local authority housing 

Your local council has a duty to help you with your housing situation if you are classed as eligible, homeless, in priority need, have a local connection and they do not find you intentionally homeless

What is Priority need? 

Priority need is targeted at young people aged 16 or 17.

What is a local connection?

You must have been living in the area for the past 6 months, (or 3 out of the past 5 years), have close family in the area or work in the area. (Please note that College is not classed as a local connection).

What does Intentionally homeless mean? 

If you have chosen to leave home or if you have done something deliberately (for eg: not paid your rent, even though you could afford it) which has caused you to be homeless, it could be classed as “intentional”.

If you think your situation may be classed as intentional, please seek further advice noting the detail below:

• The local council works alongside Social Care and a joint assessment will be completed to assess your need for support etc and will normally contact your parents/ guardian to confirm you are unable to go home.
• In emergencies or on a temporary basis, you may be housed in a hostel or B&B accommodation.
• Due to housing shortages there may be a wait until longer term accommodation is available.
• Some local authorities have supported housing projects for young people.

If you are not eligible for assistance or are not homeless, your local council has a duty to give you general housing information and advice. Contact details for your local council are available by contacting Student Wellbeing.

PRIVATE RENTED ACCOMMODATION

You may choose to look at renting private accommodation, either by yourself or with others in a shared house. This can be done through an estate agent, on websites or through local adverts. You may need an adult who can be your “financial guarantor” to pay up for any damage, if you can’t pay the rent. Your landlord may also ask you to pay a bond (deposit) and your first months rent before you move in.

How will I pay my rent? 

Whether you are housed by your Local Council or you rent privately you will be asked to sign a tenancy agreement, which is a legal document, so once you have signed up, you will be required by law to pay your rent.

Your landlord can evict you or take you to court if you do not pay your rent. Some students may be eligible to receive Housing Benefit to help with rent costs.

Seek more advice by contacting Student Wellbeing.

How will I pay my bills and living costs? 

If you live independently, you will need to budget for all your living costs, which include going out, shopping and bills (gas, electricity, water, phone, TV licence) out of your wage, or any other income you may have.

Some students may be eligible for income support to assist with these costs. Seek more advice by contacting Student Wellbeing.

From time to time, we all experience problems with money. You may have thoughts such as:

• ‘I am finding it difficult to manage my money.’
• ‘I am worrying about my current debt, or running up debt.’
• ‘How do I keep better track of my financial comings and goings?’

Be reassured that you can take control of your money, with the first steps in doing so being to simply recognise it.We can assist you by suggesting ways in which you can reduce your spend, make the most of your income, and work with you to take back control of your finances

WELFARE & BENEFITS

Many full-time students are not entitled to claim benefits. Students who are lone parents or are in receipt of disability benefits however, may be entitled to receive certain benefits as a full-time student. Please contact Citizens Advice if you would like to discuss your entitlement. Citizens Advice Bureau offer appointments through Student Wellbeing at the Buxton campus throughout term time.

Other useful links
www.hmrc.gov.uk/home – for general information about tax and benefits.
www.entitledto.co.uk – for information on benefits and what you may be entitled to.
www.gov.uk – for guidance on employment, debt, benefits and tax.

TAX REFUNDS

Tax can be a complicated subject. If you think you may be due a tax refund or paying too much tax, find out everything else you need to know about tax and what that means for students. If you require further detail or support, book an appointment to see a Student Adviser by contacting Student Wellbeing..

Want to take control of your money? We all do, don’t we? Many people experience challenges with money at some point during their lives and at Buxton & Leek College, we recognise that some students may have experiences like these during their course of study. We therefore encourage all to take time to plan ahead, and think, ‘what do I need to spend my money on?’.

Below are ten top tips that may assist you taking control of your money:

1. Use a student bank account
2. Spend some time planning expenses
3. Prepare a budget sheet and list essential spend
4. Keep a record of what you spend – be aware of your spending patterns
5. Avoid credit cards and store cards – interest soon adds up and can be very expensive
6. Consider standing orders or direct debits for priority bills
7. Read the small print in mobile phone contracts. They can be expensive when free offers end
8. Plan for extra expenses at the start of the year like for example birthdays
9. If you need to borrow, use only interest free overdraft facilities
10. Avoid using cashpoint machines that charge for use

MONEY QUIZ:

Take this quiz to explore your attitudes towards finance..

Our Student Adviser is here to help you with any questions you may have, or with any difficulties you may encounter.

We are friendly and approachable and will do our very best to help.

Appointments are available in person or via telephone, please contact us for further details.

Drop In Sessions

Alternatively you can attend a Drop-in session which gives you an oppurtunity to ask questions and/ or resolve simple issues that you may be experiencing. Individual sessions are expected to last no longer than 15 minutes. There is no need to book to attend a drop in session but please email or phone the Student Wellbeing Service beforehand to ensure the session is on.

 

However if you have a more complex query or a query that you feel will take longer than this, you can make an appointment at the Student Wellbeing Reception.