Generic help from Student Finance England

Here in Northern Ireland, there are multiple sources of financial help available to you as a pregnant student. Check out more below! 

Parents Learning Allowance 

Depending on household income, you should be able to receive up to £1,538/ year. 

This does not normally have to be paid back and is paid on top of your other student finance. For more information: https://www.studentfinanceni.co.uk/types-of-finance/undergraduate/full-time/northern-ireland-student/extra-help/parents-learning-allowance/what-is-it/#main

Childcare Grant

Depending on household income and number of children, in 2019/2020 academic year, you should be able to receive up to 85% of your childcare costs up to the maximum of:

• £148.75/ week for 1 child. 
• £255.00/ week for 2 or more children.

You should be eligible to apply if you are a full-time student, and if you have children under 15 in approved or registered childcare. 

To find out more information: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/extra-help-students-children

Generic Help

Child Benefit

You normally receive Child Benefit if you’re responsible for one or more children under 16:

• Eldest or only child - £20.70/ week 
• Additional children - £13.70 per child/ week

For more information: https://www.gov.uk/child-benefit

University grants

Most universities will also offer grants/ funds etc. Please find your university to see what they offer.

Maternity Allowance

If eligible, you can receive:

• Up to £146.68/ week (or 90% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is less) for up to 39 weeks.  
• £30/ week for up to 14 weeks.

To be eligible, in the 66 weeks before your baby is due, you must have been:

• Employed or self-employed for at least 26 weeks. 
• Earning, or classed as earning, at least £30 a week for any 13 week period – the weeks do not have to be together.  

The 26 weeks do not have to be continuous, nor for the same employer. If you have just found out that you are pregnant, you may be able to find work for long enough to be eligible.

Please use https://www.gov.uk/pay-leave-for-parents to check your eligibility.

For more information: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/maternity-allowance#toc-3

Maternity Allowance

Others Benefits you may be eligible for: 

Universal Credit

Cannot claim as a student unless you are a responsible for a child or young person. The maximum loan you receive (or could receive) is taken as income, which may reduce or stop the UC award. 

For more information: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/claim-universal-credit-online https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit

Sure Start Maternity Grant 

One off payment of £500 for parents who receive Universal Credit. 

For more information: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/sure-start-maternity-grant

Healthy Start vouchers 

Can be used to buy fruit, vegetables, vitamins and milk. You must be in receipt of Universal Credit.  

For more information: https://www.healthystart.nhs.uk/

From Student Awards Agency Scotland

Here in Scotland, there are multiple sources of financial help available to you as a pregnant student. Check out more below!

Lone Parents’ Grant

Income assessed, you can claim this if you are bringing up children on your own. You will be able to receive up to £1,305/ year. 

If eligible, you should also be eligible for the Lone Parent’s Childcare Grant. The maximum amount you can receive is up to £1,215/ year. You should apply for this from your college or university, who will choose who to grant it to, out of their Childcare Fund. 
For more information: https://www.saas.gov.uk/_forms/student_carers.pdf

Childcare Fund

Childcare funds from the government, the institution decides which universities receive payments towards the cost of registered or formal childcare costs. 

Maximum amount you can receive is up to £1,215/ year. You should apply for this from your college or university. 

For more information and advice please contact your university or college.

Discretionary Funds

Funded by the government, these are discretionary funds to those studying at a Scottish Institution. They distribute these to publicly funded institutions for students who have financial difficulties or may not be able to enter higher or further education for financial reasons. 

You must meet the residence conditions for a student loan, and there is no age limit. For more information and advice please contact your university or college. Your Student Support or Student Services Office should help with enquiries. 
To see if you are eligible for any other general grant offered by SAAS, check https://www.saas.gov.uk/_forms/funding_guide.pdf

Child Benefit

You normally receive Child Benefit if you’re responsible for one or more children under 16:

• Eldest or only child - £20.70/ week 
• Additional children - £13.70 per child/ week

For more information: https://www.gov.uk/child-benefit

University grants

Most universities will also offer grants/ funds etc. Please find your university to see what they offer.

Maternity Allowance

If eligible, you can receive up to £146.68/ week for 39 weeks.  

To be eligible you need to have earned at least £30/ week for 26 weeks out of the 66 weeks before your baby is due. The 26 weeks do not have to be continuous, nor for the same employer. If you have just found out that you are pregnant, you may be able to find work for long enough to be eligible. 

For more information:  https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance

Others Benefits you may be eligible for: 

Universal Credit

Cannot claim as a student unless you are a responsible for a child or young person. The maximum loan you receive (or could receive) is taken as income, which may reduce or stop the UC award. 

For more information: https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit

You may also be able to receive help with your childcare costs if you are receiving Universal Credit. Find out more at https://www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs/universal-credit
If Universal Credit has not yet replaced all other types of benefits in your area, find what is available to you at https://cpag.org.uk/sites/default/files/files/resource/CPAG-scot-factsheet-Benefits-lone-parent-students%20%2806.19%29.pdf

Best Start Grant and Best Start Funds

• From 24 weeks of pregnancy until 6 months old: £600 for 1^st child, £300 for any subsequent children for Pregnancy and Baby payment.
• Between 2 years old and 3yrs, 6 months: £250 for Early Learning Payment.
• £250/ child School Age Payment. 

You must be in receipt of benefits/ Universal Credit. For more information: https://www.mygov.scot/best-start-grant-best-start-foods/

Healthy Start vouchers 

Can be used to buy fruit, vegetables, vitamins and milk. You must be in receipt of Universal Credit.  

For more information: https://www.healthystart.nhs.uk/

Childcare

Check if you are eligible for any help at https://www.mygov.scot/childcare-costs-help/childcare-you-can-get-help-with/ 

Generic help from Student Finance England

Here in England, there are multiple sources of financial help available to you as a pregnant student. Check out more below!

Parents Learning Allowance 

Depending on household income, in 2019/2020 academic year you should be able to receive up to £1716/ year.

You should be eligible if you are a student with children, who is taking a full-time undergraduate course, or an Initial Teacher Training (ITT) course.

This does not normally have to be paid back and is paid on top of your other student finance. For more information: https://www.gov.uk/parents-learning-allowance/what-youll-get

Childcare Grant

Depending on household income and number of children, in 2019/2020 academic year, you should be able to receive up to 85% of your childcare costs up to the maximum of:

• £169.31/ week for 1 child. 
• £290.27/ week for 2 or more children.

To be eligible you must: 

• Be a full-time student
• Your child must be under 15, or under 17 if they have special educational needs
• Get undergraduate student finance, or be eligible to, based on your household income
• You’re not receiving a Postgraduate Loan
• You’re a permanent resident in England
• The children in your grant application are financially dependent on you 
• Your childcare provider is on the Ofsted Early Years Register or General Childcare Register – check with your provider 
• If your child is cared for at home, the carer cannot be a relative and must be registered with an appropriate body
• Not be, nor your partner, claiming Tax-Free Childcare, the childcare element of working Tax Credit or Universal Credit 
• Not be, nor your partner, receive help with childcare costs from the NHS

This does not have to be paid back and is paid on top of your other student finance. For more information: https://www.gov.uk/childcare-grant

Generic Help

Child Benefit

You normally receive Child Benefit if you’re responsible for one or more children under 16:

• Eldest or only child - £20.70/ week 
• Additional children - £13.70 per child/ week

For more information: https://www.gov.uk/child-benefit

University grants

Most universities will also offer grants/ funds etc. Please find your university to see what they offer.

Free Prescriptions and NHS Dental Treatment

You are entitled to free NHS dental treatment and free prescriptions during pregnancy, and for one year after the birth of your baby.

Maternity Allowance

If eligible, you can receive:

• Up to £146.68/ week for 39 weeks.  

To be eligible you need to have earned at least £30/ week for 26 weeks out of the 66 weeks before your baby is due. The 26 weeks do not have to be continuous, nor for the same employer. If you have just found out that you are pregnant, you may be able to find work for long enough to be eligible.

For more information:  https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance

https://www.workingfamilies.org.uk/articles/maternity-allowance/

Maternity Allowance

Others Benefits you may be eligible for: 

Universal Credit

Cannot claim as a student unless you are a responsible for a child or young person. The maximum loan you receive (or could receive) is taken as income, which may reduce or stop the UC award. 

For more information: https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit

Sure Start Maternity Grant 

One off payment of £500 for parents who receive Universal Credit. 

For more information: https://www.workingfamilies.org.uk/articles/sure-start-maternity-grant/

Healthy Start vouchers 

Can be used to buy fruit, vegetables, vitamins and milk. You must be in receipt of Universal Credit.  

For more information: https://www.healthystart.nhs.uk/

Welcome

While we know you probably have a lot of questions and very few answers right now, there is a lot of support available and you have so many more rights now there are two of you. Below, we have collated a lot of the information of what both universities and the country will offer you. 

Legal Rights

You have a legal right not to be discriminated against for being pregnant. If you feel like your university is not supporting you, you may wish to make a complaint through your Head of Department, your University Complaints Procedure, or Student Union.  

Financial Support

-From the Uni

You may be eligible for your university’s hardship fund. These are funds which are given to students who are struggling to meet day to day living costs due to unforeseen circumstances and includes student parents.

-From the Government

You are also almost certainly eligible for general help from your government – please check here (link to general advice for relevant country)

-From Student Finance

If you pay your tuition through Student Finance, ask your tutor or Financial advice area ([email protected]) for further guidance. If using Student Finance, you are usually entitled to more of a grant/loan once you have a dependent child.   

Continuing Your Course

-Tutor Meeting

We recommend speaking with an academic member of staff - preferably your personal tutor or someone else you know. They will act as your point of contact to the university and sort a lot of the admin side. Whichever member of staff you go to should support you through your pregnancy, both academically and pastorally.  

Your baby is most at risk in the first 13 weeks of pregnancy, so it is advisable that you go sooner rather than later, especially if you study a course which includes working in a lab with chemicals . 

-In the Meeting

In your meeting, the staff member should work with you to find out what you need. Things for you to consider and bring up in the meeting would be: 

• Alternatives for exams and assessments if pending 
  • Think of what would be helpful for you. This could be as simple as a deadline extension and a more comfortable chair, to postponing exams.
• Pregnancy related absence 
  • Will you need time off or possible modification to restructure your timetable for medical appointments or antenatal classes? 
• Maternity leave and return
  • It is legally recommended that you take 2 weeks off after birth, but it is normal to take up to one academic year off post birth if you so wish. You can always take time off and communicate with your tutor when you wish to return.  
• What measures would help you catch up with your studies? 
  • Online powerpoints? Lecture recordings? Regular tutor meetings? Or perhaps taking a year off?
• Risk assessment
  • Your member of staff should also make a risk assessment with you so that both you and your unborn baby are safe. Do you live up 5 flights of stairs? Or do you study a degree which involves working with chemicals? 
• You might also want to discuss a plan for alternative placements, field trips, and study abroad if required.  Universities often have a contingent plan for these circumstances.

.

Being Pregnant/Having a Baby on Campus

-Accommodation

If your existing accommodation is no longer suitable during pregnancy, or you need help finding suitable accommodation for your return, speak to the Accommodation and Residential Services for help and to explore your options. Most Universities have some family friendly flats which may be suitable, but the accommodation office can also help with non-university owned family housing if needed:

[email protected] or +44 (0)1904 322165

-Childcare Support

Your university and city have a number of nurseries available. To help with these costs, you can check whether you are eligible for the Childcare Grant (link) . 

https://www.childcare.co.uk/

https://www.york.ac.uk/nursery/

-Breastfeeding

Students who are breastfeeding or have a baby under 26 weeks are protected under the Equality Act 2010. This means that you can breastfeed in any public space. However, if you would like to breastfeed in private or have a room to rest in, speak to your school office/personal tutor/students’ union before you return and they will be able to help find you a comfortable space.  

Welcome

While we know you probably have a lot of questions and very few answers right now, there is a lot of support available and you have so many more rights now there are two of you. Below, we have collated a lot of the information of what both universities and the country will offer you. 

Legal Rights

You have a legal right not to be discriminated against for being pregnant. If you feel like your university is not supporting you, you may wish to make a complaint through your Head of Department, your University Complaints Procedure, or Student Union.

Financial Support

-From the Uni

You may be eligible for your university’s access to learning fund. These are funds which are given to students who are struggling to meet day to day living costs due to unforeseen circumstances and includes student parents.

-From the Government

You are also almost certainly eligible for general help from your government – please check here (link to general advice for relevant country)

-From Student Finance

If you pay your tuition through Student Finance, ask your tutor or Financial advice area (01905 855501 or [email protected]) for further guidance. If using Student Finance, you are usually entitled to more of a grant/loan once you have a dependent child.

Continuing Your Course

-Tutor Meeting

We recommend speaking with an academic member of staff - preferably your personal tutor or someone else you know. Your university recommends that you contact either your personal tutor or Lucy Sandwell, Student Community Development Service Manager ([email protected], 01905 855104).

They will act as your point of contact to the university and sort a lot of the admin side. Whichever member of staff you go to should support you through your pregnancy, both academically and pastorally.  

Your baby is most at risk in the first 13 weeks of pregnancy, so it is advisable that you go sooner rather than later, especially if you study a course which includes working in a lab with chemicals . 

-In the meeting

In your meeting, the staff member should work with you to find out what you need. Things for you to consider and bring up in the meeting would be: 

• Alternatives for exams and assessments if pending 
  • Think of what would be helpful for you. This could be as simple as a deadline extension and a more comfortable chair, to postponing exams.
• Pregnancy related absence 
  • Will you need time off or possible modification to restructure your timetable for medical appointments or antenatal classes? 
• Maternity leave and return
  • It is legally recommended that you take 2 weeks off after birth, but it is normal to take up to one academic year off post birth if you so wish. You can always take time off and communicate with your tutor when you wish to return.  
• What measures would help you catch up with your studies? 
  • Online powerpoints? Lecture recordings? Regular tutor meetings? Or perhaps taking a year off?
• Risk assessment
  • Your member of staff should also make a risk assessment with you so that both you and your unborn baby are safe. Do you live up 5 flights of stairs? Or do you study a degree which involves working with chemicals? 
• You might also want to discuss a plan for alternative placements, field trips, and study abroad if required.  Universities often have a contingent plan for these circumstances.

Being Pregnant/Having a Baby on Campus

-Accommodation

If your existing accommodation is no longer suitable during pregnancy, or you need help finding suitable accommodation for your return, speak to the Accommodation and Residential Services for help and to explore your options. Most Universities have some family friendly flats which may be suitable, but the accommodation office can also help with non-university owned family housing if needed:

[email protected]/ 01905 855300

-Childcare Support

Your university and city have a number of nurseries available. To help with these costs, you can check whether you are eligible for the Childcare Grant (link) . 

https://www.childcare.co.uk/

https://www.worcester.ac.uk/life/help-and-support/services-for-students/childcare.aspx

-Breastfeeding

Students who are breastfeeding or have a baby under 26 weeks are protected under the Equality Act 2010. This means that you can breastfeed in any public space. However, if you would like to breastfeed in private or have a room to rest in, speak to your school office/personal tutor/students’ union before you return and they will be able to help find you a comfortable space.  

Room BB180 in Bredon building has been set aside as a rest room and breast feeding facility – the room contains a bed, reclining chair, upright chairs for adults, a baby’s high chair and low table and chairs for small children. Nappy changing facilities are available, and the room is suitable for mothers wishing to express breast milk with a fridge and microwave provided to store and reheat milk and baby foods. Breastfeeding can also take place anywhere on campus – if others feel uncomfortable, your needs take precedence. 

Students will not be prevented from attending their course or accessing university facilities or services if they are breastfeeding, or have with them a baby under 26 weeks old. As long as babies are supervised the whole time, and health and safety risk can be identified and resolved, babies are allowed onto the university premise. You should, however, check with fellow teaching staff and students if their baby’s presence is acceptable.

Welcome

While we know you probably have a lot of questions and very few answers right now, there is a lot of support available and you have so many more rights now there are two of you. Below, we have collated a lot of the information of what both universities and the country will offer you. 

Legal Rights

You have a legal right not to be discriminated against for being pregnant. If you feel like your university is not supporting you, you may wish to make a complaint through your Head of Department, your University Complaints Procedure, or Student Union.  

Financial Support

-From the Uni

You may be eligible for your university’s financial support fund. These are funds which are given to students who are struggling to meet day to day living costs due to unforeseen circumstances and includes student parents.

-From the government

You are also almost certainly eligible for general help from your government – please check here (link to general advice for relevant country)

-From Student Finance

If you pay your tuition through Student Finance, ask your tutor or Financial advice area ([email protected]) for further guidance. If using Student Finance, you are usually entitled to more of a grant/loan once you have a dependent child.   

Continuing Your Course

-Tutor Meeting

.We recommend speaking with an academic member of staff - preferably your personal tutor or someone else you know. They will act as your point of contact to the university and sort a lot of the admin side. Whichever member of staff you go to should support you through your pregnancy, both academically and pastorally.  

Your baby is most at risk in the first 13 weeks of pregnancy, so it is advisable that you go sooner rather than later, especially if you study a course which includes working in a lab with chemicals . 

-In the Meeting

In your meeting, the staff member should work with you to find out what you need. Things for you to consider and bring up in the meeting would be: 

• Alternatives for exams and assessments if pending 
  • Think of what would be helpful for you. This could be as simple as a deadline extension and a more comfortable chair, to postponing exams.
• Pregnancy related absence 
  • Will you need time off or possible modification to restructure your timetable for medical appointments or antenatal classes? 
• Maternity leave and return
  • It is legally recommended that you take 2 weeks off after birth, but it is normal to take up to one academic year off post birth if you so wish. You can always take time off and communicate with your tutor when you wish to return.  
• What measures would help you catch up with your studies? 
  • Online powerpoints? Lecture recordings? Regular tutor meetings? Or perhaps taking a year off?
• Risk assessment
  • Your member of staff should also make a risk assessment with you so that both you and your unborn baby are safe. Do you live up 5 flights of stairs? Or do you study a degree which involves working with chemicals? 
• You might also want to discuss a plan for alternative placements, field trips, and study abroad if required.  Universities often have a contingent plan for these circumstances.

Being Pregnant/Having a Baby on Campus

-Accommodation

If your existing accommodation is no longer suitable during pregnancy, or you need help finding suitable accommodation for your return, speak to the Accommodation and Residential Services for help and to explore your options. Most Universities have some family friendly flats which may be suitable, but the accommodation office can also help with non-university owned family housing if needed:

[email protected]/ +44 (0)20 7911 5817

-Childcare Support

Your university and city have a number of nurseries available. To help with these costs, you can check whether you are eligible for the Childcare Grant (link) . 

https://www.childcare.co.uk/

-Breastfeeding

.Students who are breastfeeding or have a baby under 26 weeks are protected under the Equality Act 2010. This means that you can breastfeed in any public space. However, if you would like to breastfeed in private or have a room to rest in, speak to your school office/personal tutor/students’ union before you return and they will be able to help find you a comfortable space. 

Welcome

While we know you probably have a lot of questions and very few answers right now, there is a lot of support available and you have so many more rights now there are two of you. Below, we have collated a lot of the information of what both universities and the country will offer you. 

Legal Rights

You have a legal right not to be discriminated against for being pregnant. If you feel like your university is not supporting you, you may wish to make a complaint through your Head of Department, your University Complaints Procedure, or Student Union. 

Financial Support

-From the Uni

You may be eligible for your university’s hardship fund. These are funds which are given to students who are struggling to meet day to day living costs due to unforeseen circumstances and includes student parents.

-From the Government

You are also almost certainly eligible for general help from your government – please check here (link to general advice for relevant country)

-From Student Finance

If you pay your tuition through Student Finance, ask your tutor or Financial advice area ([email protected]) for further guidance. If using Student Finance, you are usually entitled to more of a grant/loan once you have a dependent child. 

Continuing Your Course

-Tutor Meeting

We recommend speaking with an academic member of staff - preferably your personal tutor or someone else you know. They will act as your point of contact to the university and sort a lot of the admin side. Whichever member of staff you go to should support you through your pregnancy, both academically and pastorally.  

Your baby is most at risk in the first 13 weeks of pregnancy, so it is advisable that you go sooner rather than later, especially if you study a course which includes working in a lab with chemicals . 

-In the Meeting

In your meeting, the staff member should work with you to find out what you need. Things for you to consider and bring up in the meeting would be: 

• Alternatives for exams and assessments if pending 
  • Think of what would be helpful for you. This could be as simple as a deadline extension and a more comfortable chair, to postponing exams.
• Pregnancy related absence 
  • Will you need time off or possible modification to restructure your timetable for medical appointments or antenatal classes? 
• Maternity leave and return
  • It is legally recommended that you take 2 weeks off after birth, but it is normal to take up to one academic year off post birth if you so wish. You can always take time off and communicate with your tutor when you wish to return.  
• What measures would help you catch up with your studies? 
  • Online powerpoints? Lecture recordings? Regular tutor meetings? Or perhaps taking a year off?
• Risk assessment
  • Your member of staff should also make a risk assessment with you so that both you and your unborn baby are safe. Do you live up 5 flights of stairs? Or do you study a degree which involves working with chemicals? 
• You might also want to discuss a plan for alternative placements, field trips, and study abroad if required.  Universities often have a contingent plan for these circumstances.

Being Pregnant/Having a Baby on Campus

-Accommodation

If your existing accommodation is no longer suitable during pregnancy, or you need help finding suitable accommodation for your return, speak to the Accommodation and Residential Services for help and to explore your options. Most Universities have some family friendly flats which may be suitable, but the accommodation office can also help with non-university owned family housing if needed:[email protected]/ +44 (0)1483 682466

-Childcare Support

Your university and city have a number of nurseries available. To help with these costs, you can check whether you are eligible for the Childcare Grant (link) . 

https://www.childcare.co.uk/

https://www.brighthorizons.co.uk/our-nurseries/guildford-day-nursery-and-preschool

-Breastfeeding

Students who are breastfeeding or have a baby under 26 weeks are protected under the Equality Act 2010. This means that you can breastfeed in any public space. However, if you would like to breastfeed in private or have a room to rest in, speak to your school office/personal tutor/students’ union before you return and they will be able to help find you a comfortable space.