Any finacial help for 21 year old going back to College?

the_optimist

Not sure whether I should have posted here or on the benefit board, so if I have, please move it.

My son dropped out of college when 16 and started working in a supermarket. Now 21, he decided that he would like to do this course again, but we're at a loss about what financial help there is - it looks like none (according to the job centre)!

After a divorce and redundancy I just got my own finance in order but to pay the mortgage and all the other bills I am relying on my son's rent.

Can anybody tell us, if and when we might get some help?

Thanks

Pink_diamond_3

Theres a thing called an Adult learning grant, im not sure of the exact details but he might be suitable for it. Someone else on the board will probably know more details tho,

Just found this link , which will give you more information im not sure because he has been before whether he will get it even though he dropped out but its worth a look.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/AdultLearning/Adultlearninggrant/DG_068346

(this is my first time adding a link so really sorry if ive done it wrong!)

the_optimist

Thanks Pink_diamond,

looks like he can get £20 per week - better than nothing. If we tighten our belt - again - we'll be allright

Oldernotwiser

the_optimist wrote: »

Thanks Pink_diamond,

looks like he can get £20 per week - better than nothing. If we tighten our belt - again - we'll be allright

The ALG isn't based on parents' income and most people studying would be working part time as well. He may need to consider whether he'll have fees to pay as education isn't free after the age of 19. If it's his first level 2 or 3 qualification he should get his fees waived; is this your son's situation?

the_optimist

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

If it's his first level 2 or 3 qualification he should get his fees waived; is this your son's situation?

He started the course after his GCSEs but dropped out after 2 months, so I don't know if this would be classed as his first or second course.

Oldernotwiser

the_optimist wrote: »

He started the course after his GCSEs but dropped out after 2 months, so I don't know if this would be classed as his first or second course.

Sorry, that wasn't what I meant. What course is he planning to do and did he get at least 5 GCSEs grade C and over? Whether or not he has to pay tuition fees is based on the level of course and whether he's already achieved a qualification at that level.

the_optimist

Found out today, he won't have to pay for the course. Add the £20 he should get per week plus he wants to carry on working part time - all together not too bad now. It certainly doesn't look as worrying as it did when he put the idea to me - and I do want him to do the course.

Thanks pink_diamond and Oldernotwiser, your replies just put us in the right direction.