Single mum thinking about Uni

kibs

Hi, hoping someone out there can give me some advice, or point me in the right direction.

Basically I am a single mum already with the OU, but due to dissatisfaction I am considering going to a brick uni. I do currently work 16 hours, but was thinking more about the worse case scenario and the hours for studying and homework are more than I can manage with work, so either have to reduce hours or quit work completely. Obviously this would effect my income a lot.

So worse case scenario. What help would I get being single, student, 3 kids and not working. I looked at nhs bursary and this has panicked me a lot tbh as calculation would leave us with £25 to live on after paying rent and travel. I am good at budgeting but not that good. lol. Any ideas, suggestions, pointers is very much appreciated.

MrsManda

Depends on your course - the amount you get in student loans and grants from the SLC changes if you are eligible for an NHS bursary.
There's a student finance calculator HERE which will give you a rough idea of what you can expect. You may also be eligible for childcare grants, Child tax credits, and parents learning allowance.
You will also not have to pay Council tax.

Oldernotwiser

How old are your children?

kibs

Thankyou MrsManda, it is calculating the same figures that I already had Although I didn't know about council tax, which I had completely forgotten about anyway. Not sure how I managed that.

They are 13, 12 and 4. So would also have their lunches to pay for and anything else school related uniform, equipment, trips etc

When I looked at the local uni's I would be applying, the holidays correspond with the kids, so shouldn't need help with childcare. Any odd days for teaching training, illness and things I can get friends/family to look after the child if I needed to be in. Although if I could manage to work, then I would need help depending on the shift. Arrgghh this is so confusing.