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[MSE Wendy]

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[House Elf]

Can anyone help? I am Secretary of a swimming club in Birmingham. One of our swimmers has been selected to train with the GB squad at the high performance training centre in Aldershott. She is 17, and will have to leave school half way through her A levels and live away from home, sharing a flat with other swimmers in the squad.

She really wants to represent her country in the Olympics, and is prepared to put her academic career on hold. (She wants to study Medicine). However, the training grant is only £4000 and will not even cover her rent! She is from a very supportive one parent family, who have tried very hard to gain sponsorship, but no luck so far.......We have looked into Modern Apprenticeship. (She will be training 6hrs a day, so no time! Despite the fact that this is available to football trainees!). EMA (Continuing A levels part time). Housing Benefit, poss?

Can anyone suggest grants available? It seems so harsh that someone so committed and so talented should have to starve to represent their country!

[Charis]

OU are able to help with fees if your income is below a certain level. Worth investigating if you are in receipt of benefits, Child Tax Credit etc. May cover the whole cost of your course fees, especially if you are doing one unit per year. Not that it will help the swimmer, but I can't find anywhere else to post this useful snippet in this grant grabbing thread.

[student_advisor]

House Elf

As a 17 yr old, she should be able to apply for housing benefit to cover the rent as is it generally only based on income.

As for additional funding, it's down to hunting through the masses of charitable funding for something that fits. Most people would look to get small amounts from a number of sources.

funderfinder is a good place to start.

[foreversomeday]

Nobody has mentioned the Adult Learning Grant, which is sort of like EMA only it is for anyone over 19, doing a full time course at a level they have never attempted before.

So for example, if you left school at 16 and worked for a few years, but then decided to go to college and do an A-Level equivalent course, you can get £30 a week to help towards your studies.

Unfortunately if it's not the first time you've been in that level of education, you can't claim. For example, I did a BTEC National Diploma from age 16-18, which is the equivalent level of A Levels. I didn't get the grades I wanted and I needed some more UCAS points, so I went back to college and did A Levels the following year. In my first year of A Levels, I claimed EMA, but in my second year, because I was 19 when the course started, I was advised to apply for the ALG. Unfortunately because I already had an A level equivalent qualification I could not apply.

Here is the official site:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Educatio...rant/index.htm

[schultzy]

The rules for these have changed recently and the £100 ILA for those earning over £18,000 is no longer available.

Apologies if this is a re-post

[Bird_FAT]

For those adults who didn't get, or didn't get high enough, Maths and English at school (up to GCSE, or equivalent), or for those that just want to get rid of their gremlins, you can get government sponsered 'Skills for Life' ones from Learndirect.

These are City & Guilds, level 1 and level 2 qualifications and are equal to GCSE
(C&G L1 = grades D-F / C&G L2 = grades A*-C).
The courses are offered free, and the qualification is recognised by employers as equal to GCSE. The courses are computer based and can be done on any computer that has Internet access - they are also tutor supported, so you can ask for additional help if there are any points that are not clear.
All you need to do is contact your local Learndirect centre (http://www.learndirect-skills.co.uk/centres/ - to find your nearest one) and book an appointment. You have to do an initial assessment which lets them know where they need to help you, then they will support you all the way to L2 in both Literacy and Numeracy, all for free.

They also do other courses, but they cost a bit, though for those on income support, there are fee remissions available, so if you need the qualifications for a new career, they could be worth looking into, too.

Only wish my local job centre had told me about it when I was out of work!

Bird

[Pink Eyes]

Does anyone know if there are any grants for transport for disabled students? According to college, I'm not disabled enough (I have 40% vision and struggle with transport) and don't live far away. (I live 2.9 miles away) I've been told use my bus passes, (won't help) get my parents to give me a lift (they can't because of working patterns) and to use my DLA. (which will only cover half of the costs)

So what do I do? They seem to be uninterested in the fact that I won't be able to get to college and therefore, can't do my course. They've said 'we'll let your teacher know you may be late because of your dificulties', but that would mean missing lessons and coursework time.

I've been told I can only get help if I have a social worker and they write a note to say I struggle with transport, but I don't have a social worker.

[Mr Jade]

Has anyone had expereince of challenging the justice of EMA and any other education assistance, particularly further education grants which are based on household income not need.
Over the next few years we will have four children at uniniversity at the same time. We clearly have the income to afford one child but four is crippling.

[Esor]

Mr Jade, I do know that if you have more than one member of your household at university at any time then they take it into account when applications for student loads/funding are made, have a look at http://www.studentfinancedirect.co.u..._schema=PORTAL there should be some info there somewhere. I just remember reading something when I was filling in my application over the last few years.

HTH

[tinker1]

I am self employed aged 56. I have been told by my accountant if I make a pension contribution equal to my total earned income I can set this all off against my income on my child tax credits application form thereby giving me the equivelant of zero income and so qualifying me for the maximum child tax credit. I also have two children at uni so does the same principle apply ...i.e. can I get my children the maximum non repayable grant by paying all my income into a pension fund? All sounds too good to be true if I can do this!!

[Marru]

HI,

I am 39 years, single mum, self employed, full time student doing level 3 diploma. I am getting housing benefit and tax credits and also my college pays towards my child care costs, my study tours and petrol costs to my work placement. My question is that are there any options for me for finance as I really would like to stop my self employment as it is getting too much but without that I wouldn't be getting the tax credits and that would wipe out pretty much all of my income. Problem is that I already have masters degree in other field. I am changing careers due to diagnosed depression as I couldn't cope in my old occupation anymore.

Any ideas?

Thank you,

Marru

[zoelife]

So sorry you are going through this I trust that the college concerned have now recanted there ridiculous comments apologised and you are getting some help!

It might be worth contacting the council and speaking with your local disability forum members as they may have some ideas of how to get you the help you require.

Royal national institiute of the Blind seem to wield quite a bit of power and I have spoken to them before around partial sight I am sure transportation is in their remit Also if there is a charity related to your sight eg Multiple Sclerosis society they should have some ideas many of these have freephone numbers

Also your local councillor could help you find the info your require and get you some help.

Just a few ideas off the top of my head as someone else who can empathise and has experience of your plight.

Good luck

Originally Posted by Pink Eyes

Does anyone know if there are any grants for transport for disabled students? According to college, I'm not disabled enough (I have 40% vision and struggle with transport) and don't live far away. (I live 2.9 miles away) I've been told use my bus passes, (won't help) get my parents to give me a lift (they can't because of working patterns) and to use my DLA. (which will only cover half of the costs)

So what do I do? They seem to be uninterested in the fact that I won't be able to get to college and therefore, can't do my course. They've said 'we'll let your teacher know you may be late because of your dificulties', but that would mean missing lessons and coursework time.

I've been told I can only get help if I have a social worker and they write a note to say I struggle with transport, but I don't have a social worker.

[3wfr]

Been looking for a changing of career, and inquired at the Skills Center as seen on TV.
They have courses for Gas fitter, Plumber, Electrician and Joiner. They called me and a chap came round. After a chat it was the plumber course,which was decided would be the best for me.
Its a two year open learning doing a minimum of hour's per week, with books and tools supplied and an Adviser/Tutor by phone or E-mail. The course is split into three modules each with a City & guilds Qualification for each. 60% home work, assessments. When ready a week at a center doing 40-50 hours hands on practical work.

OK now comes the cost: The two year course, all books, Adviser and tools when at center, with up to three re-sits for each module. The basic starting salaries for a plumber is £21,000 raising to £35,000 with experience. Self-employed can name there own rates.
I sound like a salesman a.

The cost £5250

The equates to £130 per month over years through Barclay's Bank.

Not going to say if i decided to take the course until i see your response.

Could this be met by any grants, if full or in part.

Look forward to your replay

[carouselgirl]

Originally Posted by 3wfr

Been looking for a changing of career, and inquired at the Skills Center as seen on TV.
They have courses for Gas fitter, Plumber, Electrician and Joiner. They called me and a chap came round. After a chat it was the plumber course,which was decided would be the best for me.
Its a two year open learning doing a minimum of hour's per week, with books and tools supplied and an Adviser/Tutor by phone or E-mail. The course is split into three modules each with a City & guilds Qualification for each. 60% home work, assessments. When ready a week at a center doing 40-50 hours hands on practical work.

OK now comes the cost: The two year course, all books, Adviser and tools when at center, with up to three re-sits for each module. The basic starting salaries for a plumber is £21,000 raising to £35,000 with experience. Self-employed can name there own rates.
I sound like a salesman a.

The cost £5250

The equates to £130 per month over years through Barclay's Bank.

Not going to say if i decided to take the course until i see your response.

Could this be met by any grants, if full or in part.

Look forward to your replay

Have you looked into seeing if your local college runs any part time Plumbing courses??

You don't say your age but dependant on your age and the level of course you could be entitled to your tuition fee paid leaving only the exam fee to find under the Level 2 or Level 3 entitlement. This will wholly depend on your individual circumstance age / qualifications - but definately worth giving your local college or one in surronding area's a call.

Carouselgirl

[tinywizz]

Originally Posted by House Elf

Can anyone help? I am Secretary of a swimming club in Birmingham. One of our swimmers has been selected to train with the GB squad at the high performance training centre in Aldershott. She is 17, and will have to leave school half way through her A levels and live away from home, sharing a flat with other swimmers in the squad.

She really wants to represent her country in the Olympics, and is prepared to put her academic career on hold. (She wants to study Medicine). However, the training grant is only £4000 and will not even cover her rent! She is from a very supportive one parent family, who have tried very hard to gain sponsorship, but no luck so far.......We have looked into Modern Apprenticeship. (She will be training 6hrs a day, so no time! Despite the fact that this is available to football trainees!). EMA (Continuing A levels part time). Housing Benefit, poss?

Can anyone suggest grants available? It seems so harsh that someone so committed and so talented should have to starve to represent their country!

Have you tried contacting local trusts/charitable organisations. You can find a copy of Guide to Trusts and Charitable organisation in your local library. Some trusts have criteria which from what you say and in my experience seems that you may qualify. To my knowledge of grant making trusts in Birmingham there are quite a few that should be able to help. Good luck.

[june.elizabeth]

Agree with Tinywizz I got all sorts of different grants to enable my daughter to study Ballet from the age of 11 - 18 years The book does take time to trawl through though maybe worth trying to borrow two copies so two people can work through it. Good luck

[amateur_saver]

Any ideas of how or if there is any funding for doing an MA? I am 36 and in full time work but would like to do, at sometime in my life, an MA ........ I am put off at the expense of it to be honest, and would find it hard to finance myself.....

Any ideas of people who help for part time MA for people who have to still live and use money for keeping the family going?

A_S x

[Yvieandjaff]

Hi Moneysavers!
Im about to start a BA in Graphic Design. I live away from home (not in student accomodation) and am FT student.

I figured out that the differnece between living at home and away from home regarding the money you get from the government is about 1months rent.
I spoke to a lady at student services about any other help available to me as most of the money goes to rent and art is a VERY expensive course, she told me "if you've got all the money from the government it's your fault for being poor". I couldnt believe it. But to be honest I dont know where else to look or who else to ask.

Can anyone shine a light?

[CLLC]

Hi , i need a bit of advice

My brother wants to become a qualified plumber or Locksmith but the problem is the course costs a few thousand which is not currently affordable , he is 20 years old and not currently in education

Is there any way he could grab a grant to help him???

Thank you

CLLC