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Scotland

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 1st 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/