Discretionary Learner Support Funds are used to assist students who may have difficulties attending or completing a college course due to financial considerations.

Who can apply for discretionary Learner Support Funds?

Students enrolled on a course at Canterbury College of 12 guided learning hours or more, for more than 6 consecutive weeks.

Students in receipt of a means tested benefit or on a low income. This includes students who are dependants of a parent or legal guardian where the student lives at the same address.

The Application Form

Where can I get an application form from?

Applications forms are held in the Student Information Centre.

When do I collect an application form?

As soon as you have enrolled on a course.

Can I get help completing the application form?

Yes. Contact the discretionary Learner Support Fund in the Student Information Centre.

Will all costs be paid?

Generally, proportion of costs are awarded. All students must apply at the start of each academic year for costs to be awarded. Funds are only released once the student starts attending college.

What can a student apply for?

Travel

Essential Equipment/Essential Field Trips/Books

Students can apply for assistance with the help of essential equipment, essential field trips and books. You will be provided with details of equipment, field trips and books together with the costs involved either at interview or during induction week.

Childcare

Students can apply for assistance with childcare costs provided from an Ofsted registered provider. Costs are awarded for timetabled hours. Travel time between the College and the Childcare Provider is considered when calculating childcare awards.  We can advise you of other funding options.

Levy Costs

Students can apply for assistance with levy costs advertised in the Complete Course Guide.

Unforeseen Financial Hardship

A student may apply for funds where an event that causes unforeseen financial hardship may result in the student being unable to complete their course of study.

Applications not considered

• Registration fees
• Payments to external bodies
• Costs for car share are generally not considered
• Course fees are not funded for employed students

Conditions of receiving a discretionary Learner Support Award

• Students must apply annually for a discretionary Learner Support Award throughout the duration of their course.
• Students must declare their eligibility for discretionary Learner Support Funding.
• Changes in address, financial circumstances and student status must be provided in writing.
• Students are expected to attend regularly in accordance with their timetable and make progress in their studies.

Explanation of the Required Evidence of Household Income

Documentary evidence of household income is required from the student, parents and partners living at the same address.

When applying for discretionary Learner Support Funding please make sure you have with you, all evidence of household income required.

This is for you, your partner, and your parents if you reside with them:

• The last three months' wage slips for those employed.
  If this is not possible then please obtain a letter from your employer on headed paper giving details of earnings to date
• The forms from the Inland Revenue (TC602) for 2009-2010 showing Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit if appropriate.
• A letter dated within the last three months from Jobcentre Plus or the Department of Work and Pensions confirming the amount of any benefits you or your family receive.
• 2009-2010 Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit letter from your local council, if you receive either of these.

Three month's bank statements from the student and any other income recipient in the household will be required.

Unforeseen Financial Hardship

Documentary evidence to support an award on the basis of low income can be shown in the following ways:

• Housing Benefit
• Wage slips (last 3 months)
• Evidence of state benefits

Documentary evidence for Unforeseen Financial Hardship must relate to the event causing your hardship as well as your eligibility to claim discretionary Learner Support Funding. A useful site for financial information for students is www.moneysavingexpert.com