The Access to Learning Fund 2011-12
PLEASE READ GUIDANCE NOTES BEFORE COMPLETING THE APPLICATION FORM AS INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL TAKE LONGER TO PROCESS
What is it for?
Every year the Government gives the College a sum of money - called the Access to Learning Fund (ALF) - so we can help students who need extra financial support because they have higher than expected costs.
When to apply?
Students can apply to the Fund between the academic year
Who can apply?
Some provision is offered for students experiencing financial hardship
Unless they experience a significant change in their circumstances, students can only apply to the fund once during their academic year. Students who wish to re-apply because of a change in circumstances must do so in writing, and will be required to submit evidence of any changes.
How are applications to the Access to Learning Fund assessed?
The assessment formula is set by the Government nationally. When assessing applications to the Access to Learning Fund we will look at your expected income and what the Government considers to be 'reasonable'
expenditure on living costs, rent, travel and course-related costs (including childcare). If you are facing a financial 'emergency'
, or there are special circumstances attached to your application, we will look at this on an individual basis.
The following students are those more likely to receive an award:
- Students with children
- Mature students
- Disabled students
- Care leavers
- Students who are homeless
- Final year students
How to apply?
Students must FULLY complete the application form, sign and date it, and return it with photocopies of all supporting evidence to the Finance Office.
Students are encouraged to seek the advice on their application from an Adviser at any of the College sites.
Students may be required to provide additional information or evidence in order to substantiate their claim of 'exceptional circumstances'
.
Please Note:
International students cannot apply to the Access to Learning Fund, and Access to Learning Fund CANNOT help towards tuition fee costs
How to complete the application form?
Please read the following guidance notes on how to complete the application form. Answer all questions on the application form by printing clearly and by ticking the appropriate boxes.
Part 1: Personal Details
Complete personal details including your term time address. Please note: all correspondence will be made via your College email or post.
Part 2: Bank Details
Please complete this section in order to receive any payment directly into your bank account. Please provide 3 months of your most recent Bank statements/ledger prints for all your accounts.
Part 3: Declaration
Please read, sign and date your application form.
Part 4: Accommodation Details
Please provide a copy of your tenancy agreement or mortgage letter AND evidence of how your rent or mortgage is paid.
Part 5: Dependants
Please provide a copy of your Child Benefit award notification, or evidence another adult is dependent on you.
Part 6: Income/Expenditure
Complete both the Income and Expenditure sections. Please include all expenditure that you (and your partner/children if they are living with you) have on a weekly basis. It is important that you fill in these sections as accurately as possible. Please note that the figures you present should be your budget per week. You should divide any Student Loan or grants by 52. If you pay bills on a quarterly basis then you should multiply these by 4 and divide by 52. If you pay your rent every calendar month, then you should multiply the amount by 12 and divide by 52.
Parental Contribution
Please state the actual amount you receive from your parents, even if this is different to the amount your LA has specified they should contribute.
Travel Costs
If you spend more than £14 per week on travel you will need to provide evidence of the cost and explain why your costs are high.
If you live with a partner/spouse
If you have a partner who lives with you please provide details of their net income. In the expenditure column include all applicable household expenditure you and your partner have. If you have children, the expenditure should also include costs related to them. If you or your partner receives benefits, we will not take into account any non-means tested benefits which are for particular circumstances e.g. Child Benefit, Disability Living Allowance etc. However, please include them on your application form.
What do I do if I am unhappy with the outcome of my application?
Appeals:
Any applicant who believes the decision made on their application is incorrect may appeal against the decision. Appeals must be made in writing within 14 days of the applicant being notified of the decision.
Please send appeal letters and any additional evidence to support your appeal to: Learner Services Manager at the College
Complaints:
Any applicant wishing to make a complaint must do so in writing to: Learner Services Manager
Please be aware that all evidence required to process applications is in line with the government guidelines for ALF
Supporting Statement
Please provide a supporting statement succinctly explaining your reason(s) for applying to the Access to Learning Fund.
Details of information required
On the following page of the application pack there is a checklist of documents to be submitted with your completed application form. Please ensure you have submitted all the documents required, as if any applicable evidence is missing, no assessment will be made, and your application form may be returned to you. In addition, the assessors may ask you to provide further evidence specific to your situation. Finance Department: Tel: 0207 573 5334 or 0207 573 389
PLEASE CHECK, FOR YOUR REFERENCE, THAT YOU HAVE SUPPLIED THE FOLLOWING PHOTOCOPIED EVIDENCE
Students with dependent children - in addition to the evidence requested - must provide:
- a photocopy of your Child Benefit or 'DWP' letter.
- a photocopy of your Child/Working Tax Credit notification letter (please send a copy
Download Application form and Guidelines (doc 75KB)
Please note all of the above may be subject to Government changes
Updated: 4th July 2011
