Help!

matty_c608

I've a friend who is in Financial Trouble at College (Sixth Form).

She is not in any debt, but she cannot buy what she needs including basics. Eg. No money for getting to and from college, so she walks for about an hour each way, in this very cold temperatures. She lacks money for food during the day and lack of money for biying revision guides, paint for art etc. Parents out of work at the moment, but earning well last tax year, so EMA is out of the question.

My Question is, what Finiancial Support is available? She went to college for Learner Support Fund. It says before applying you must research other finaical support. So we went to Connexions, they say there is no other help available. I think they may be lying though....

A job has also been hard to find for her, and her studies take up so much of her time! What to do?

Grateful for advice!!

Matt.

molotov_3

Have you looked at the dfes website? (department for education)

superscotsman

Tell her to go see the welfare officer and burst into tears. There could be bursaries/benefits available. In fact I am sure there are.

chugalug

EMA was designed to cover this sort of problem. All I can suggest is that if her family income is too high for her to qualify then surely her parents should be supporting her?If she's under 19 and in college for a course at A level or below then her parents will still get child benefit etc for her. If over 19 they wont but then she could apply for Adult Learning Grant in her own right. My son had to apply for this as his college course continued past his 19th birthday. Its similar to EMA but decided on your own not your parents income. It pays up to £30 per week aswell. Failing any of that she may have no option but to get a job. My kids work Saturdays in a shop and earn £35 for the day which would at least pay her fares to college and lunch. HTH

jitsuguy

I do believe you can still claim the EMA although your parents are now out of work and were earning last tax year. I believe you will have to ask them to assess you under special circumstances, you will have to have proof that you're parents are not earning the amounts they were last year.

I'm not sure on the details anymore as the systems have changed and it was a long time ago for me (just after labour got in), but it use to work by you applying for the EMA and then getting refused and then you have to ask for them to assess you again through special circumstances. You might be able to apply straight away but add a letter with proof attached.

Hope this helps!

Nathan

matty_c608

Thanks all...

Will try those, but would also like to hear any other options if any.

I don't think Bursting into tears will help! I suggest a job too, since she ought to earn her own way. But finding one has been difficult!

Thanks again.

jitsuguy

Hi ya,

Try Sainsburys (if there one close) they are generally v. good employers and pay very well in comparison to other companies (so i've been told by the National Office of Stats).

Nathan

freebie_junkie

job wise macdonalds has really flexible shifts and always have their pay rates at least £1 above national minnimum wage.