Balancing the scales between academic pursuits and personal commitments is no small feat, particularly for students with adult dependents. The task, already demanding, escalates in complexity when financial pressures enter the mix. Recognizing this, the UK government offers an Adult Dependants’ Grant to provide financial support for full-time higher education students struggling to cope with their dual responsibilities as students and carers.
This article is here to guide you through the Adult Dependants’ Grant application process, so you can focus on your education and provide for your dependent.
- What Is an Adult Dependent Grant?
- Who Qualifies for the Adult Dependants’ Grant?
- Who Counts as an Adult Dependant?
- How Much Is the Adult Dependants’ Grant?
- How Long Do You Get the Adult Dependants’ Grant?
- How To Apply for the Adult Dependants’ Grant
- How Long Can You Receive the Adult Dependants’ Grant?
- Funding Those Who Study and Care for Others
- FAQ
What Is an Adult Dependent Grant?
The Adult Dependants’ Grant (ADG) is a stipend offered to full-time higher education students with an adult under their care. This help is aimed at undergraduates struggling to make ends meet as their dependents rely financially on them.
Who Qualifies for the Adult Dependants’ Grant?
The government only allows citizens and permanent residents to apply for this benefit. Generally speaking, the basic requirements for an adult dependants grant you must fulfil are:
- Be a full-time higher education student
- Be eligible for student finance
- Have an adult dependant (relatives that aren’t your children)
- Have a dependent who doesn’t earn a yearly income exceeding £3,796
- Have a household yearly income below £15,621.98
- Provide proof of address
These funds are given to qualifying students on top of their student-finance benefits, and they don’t need to be paid back. You will only need to payback money you were overpaid because your personal circumstances or course changed.
Who Counts as an Adult Dependant?
An adult dependent is someone who depends on you financially. In the case of this grant, the dependent must be a relative who is not your child, such as a husband, wife, civil partner, sibling, etc. They must be unable to support themselves due to a disability, a physical/mental health condition, or other valid reasons.
Unmarried partners under 25 (or without civil partnerships) and people getting student finance don’t qualify as adult dependents in the UK.
How Much Is the Adult Dependants’ Grant?
The adult dependent allowance amount you can receive can vary from year to year and is based on your circumstances, including your income, your dependant’s income, and other benefits you may receive.
However, there’s always a cap limit as the table below shows:
| Academic Year | Adult Dependants’ Grant |
|---|---|
| 2024 to 2025 | up to £3,438 |
| 2023 to 2024 | up to £3,354 |
How Long Do You Get the Adult Dependants’ Grant?
The money is paid in 3 instalments (one at the start of each term) directly into your bank account for the duration of your course of studies.
Bear in mind that the government may cut off the support if you fail to report a change in circumstances, such as an increased household income.
How To Apply for the Adult Dependants’ Grant
You can apply online or by post as follows:
1. Login or Create a Student Finance Account
If you’re applying for the Adult Dependants’ Grant for the first time, you must create an account on the Student Finance England website (or the relevant body in Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland). Those who have already applied for student finance in the past should log into their existing student finance account to reapply or update their application to include the Adult Dependants’ Grant.
Once registered, you must fill out your application form online. Answer the evaluation questions and specify that you’re applying for the Adult Dependants’ Grant. You will be redirected to the appropriate application form.
For those who aren’t great with online applications, there’s the option to apply by post. Download the student finance form below, fill it out, attach the required documents, and mail it to Student Finance England, PO Box 210, Darlington, DL1 9HJ:
2. Provide Supporting Evidence
You may be asked to send in supporting documents to prove your eligibility for the grant. This could include financial documents or proof of your relationship with your dependent. Follow the instructions provided on the application or by the student finance body to submit these documents either online or by post.
3. Await the Decision
You’ll receive a letter or an online notification with the outcome of your application and details about how much you’ll receive if you’re successful.
If your application isn’t successful and you disagree with the outcome, you can request a mandatory consideration. This is so you can have the decision reviewed by someone else.
You can also read, “3 Government-Funded Programs To Keep Your House Warm This Winter“.
How Long Can You Receive the Adult Dependants’ Grant?
The support is valid for as long as the student is in school or until the learner’s circumstances warrant withdrawal of the help.
Funding Those Who Study and Care for Others
Balancing academic pursuits with the responsibilities of caring for an adult dependent is a commendable yet challenging endeavour. The UK Adult Dependants’ Grant offers support, providing much-needed financial relief to students in this difficult situation. The ADG not only eases financial burdens but also reinforces the commitment to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their circumstances.
FAQ
What Does “Means Tested” Mean?
If a benefit is “means tested,” your financial situation (in this case, your income and your dependant’s income) will be considered before they determine whether you qualify for the help.
When Can You Apply for the Adult Dependants Grant?
You must apply for the Adult Dependants’ Grant within nine months of the start of the academic year.
How Long Does the Adult Dependants Grant Take?
It can take up to 6 weeks to process your application. If further evidence is needed, the process could take longer than that.
Can You Check the Status of Your Adult Dependants Grant Application?
You can check the status of your application online on your Student Finance account.
Does Adult Dependent Grant Affect Universal Credit?
Yes. The Adult Dependants’ Grant will affect any income-related benefits and tax credits you might get.
