loans/grants available for college students?

katiesmummy

does anyone know if there are any loans or grants available for college students on low income?

i desperately need to get a new pc/laptop (not fussed as long as it works) before i start college in september as this one is on its last legs (keyboard damaged, crashes every half hour).

have been keeping an eye on freecycle but mine only ever seems to be 'wants' these days, not many offereds

cardiffforthefacup

If you have a credit union near you join up, you need to put a £1 a month in your account and may be able to get a very cheap loan off them.

If you are going to do an access course, I believe there is adult learning grants these days, there is details of entitlements posted on the board somewhere

Oldernotwiser

When you say college student, what level of study are you referring to?

katiesmummy

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

When you say college student, what level of study are you referring to?

i'm going to be doing an access course

Oldernotwiser

Are you eligible for the Adult Learning Grant? The availability for Access students seems to vary from college to college. Your student welfare adviser or Finance Officer should also be able to tell you if there are any local charitable funds you'd be eligible for.

katiesmummy

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

Are you eligible for the Adult Learning Grant? The availability for Access students seems to vary from college to college. Your student welfare adviser or Finance Officer should also be able to tell you if there are any local charitable funds you'd be eligible for.

i have just found this when i googled about the adult learning grant-

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/AdultLearning/FinancialHelpForAdultLearners/DG_10033131

not sure if they would consider a computer to be essential course related equipment, but i guess its worth a go

i might be eligible for the adult learning grant, i am within the income limits certainly.

Oldernotwiser

If the Access course you're doing is eligible for ALG and you fit the criteria then you can expect to receive it. I have to say that I've never heard of anyone getting funding for a computer from the LSG but there's no harm in asking.

Oldernotwiser

Just a thought, you don't get ALG if you're on means tested benefits; I had the impression you're a lone parent, sorry if I'm wrong.

katiesmummy

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

If the Access course you're doing is eligible for ALG and you fit the criteria then you can expect to receive it. I have to say that I've never heard of anyone getting funding for a computer from the LSG but there's no harm in asking.

the worst they can say is no!
i will try and sweet talk ds grandad (not my dad) into lending me the money to get a pc in which case i wont need to apply for the lsg at all

thanks for your help!

katiesmummy

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

Just a thought, you don't get ALG if you're on means tested benefits; I had the impression you're a lone parent, sorry if I'm wrong.

i am and i'm not (very complicated!). my oh and i are currently 'taking a break'. i work 5-6 nights per week, and get wtc, ctc etc etc