Wales
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
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/
