Who is eligible ?
You must be able to meet ALL of the following conditions:

Provide evidence of low income/benefits, e.g.:

• in receipt of a means-tested benefit
• dependant of a person receiving benefits
• details of employment
• details of parent's employment (both parents if applicable)
• any other evidence of financial hardship

Explored other ways of supporting yourself e.g. part-time works.

Have fulfilled the course attendance requirement of 95% (minimum).

Be fulfilling the terms of your Learning/Agreement with the college.

Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA)
Students receiving an EMA are eligible for funding but may not receive as much as other applicants.  Students living in Tameside, Manchester or Oldham must apply for an EMA if they believe themselves to be eligible.  Contact your Local Education Authority for further details.

How can the Learner Support Fund help me ?
The Learner Support Fund is designed to help you with the costs involved in attending college, including the following:

• travel to and from college
• childcare fees
• field trips
• purchase of books and other essential equipment
• assistance in a sudden crisis
• subsistence costs
• general awards

In some cases, expensive items of equipment may be purchased and used by an individual during their time at college, but retained by subject areas when the student leaves.  Attendance bonuses (for outstanding attendance) may be paid during an individual's time at college, when funds permit.

How much will I receive ?
Amounts vary and depend on your personal circumstances.  Each case is considered on individual basis.  Application forms are available from the Student Reception.

Travel
Travel assistance will normally be paid from the date you apply and will continue throughout the duration of your course, subject to fulfilment of the 95% minimum attendance requirement.

Childcare fees
These are not paid by college but by the Learning and Skills Council and fees will normally be paid directly to the nursery on your behalf.  The childcarer can be a registered childminder or a nursery, in exceptional circumstances it may be a relative.  Payments may also include retainers, paid for vacation period, i.e. Christmas, Easter and half-term breaks.

Cost of course materials
If the cost of materials is high for your chosen course, we may be able to help.  You will need to obtain a list of items required from your course tutor and attach this to your application form.  In some circumstances it may be appropriate to purchase expensive equipment which may be loaned to you whilst you are attending college.  In all cases, support is conditional on the 95% minimum attendance requirement.

Crisis and subsistence payments
If you find yourself in a crisis situation without any means of financial support, please see Sue Snelson in the first instance.

When and how can I apply ?
Application forms are available from Student Reception.  If you need any help when completing the form, please see Sue Snelson.  Applications are considered from the first day of term in September until the last day of term in July.  There is no need to complete a full application form again for further assistance from the fund, unless your circumstances have changed.  These will be considered automatically, upon verification of your attendance.  Please hand in your completed form to Student Reception.

IMPORTANT - DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE

Please ensure you have provided all the necessary documentation to support your application.  Failure to provide such documentation may result in delayed decisions and payments.  See the checklist at the end of the application form.  Updated evidence will be sought at half-termly intervals, if appropriate. Attendance will also be monitored throughout your course study.

When will I know if I have been successful ?
You will be contacted with a decision within ten working days of us receiving your completed application form and documentary evidence.  If you have been successful, you will be advised in writing about when, where and how payments will be made.  Payments will be made available within fifteen days from the date of your letter.

Can I appeal if I do not agree with the decision ?
Yes. There is a form available from Student Reception entitled: "How to appeal against a Learner Support Fund Decision."  You must appeal within 28 days from the date of your letter.

Charities and Trusts
There are some charities and trusts offering financial assistance to students who meet certain criteria.  Please ask Sue Snelson for further details.

REMEMBER - IF IN DOUBT - ASK