For students and those intending to study
Pregnancy grants, maternity allowances and benefits before and after you have had your baby.
The Equality Act 2010
ended discrimination against pregnant students
AND
students with children
The Equality Act 2010 introduced new protection from discrimination for students during pregnancy and maternity, by extending the protection that exists for women in employment to education.
As a result there is financial help for pregnant students and after you have had your baby.
Contact Student Support Services at your university or Student Finance
Contact your particular place of study or where you are hoping to start studying for more information about financial help for pregnant students and practical help and support.
Search the list of UK universities below.
This is a one-off payment of £500 for parents who are receiving a low income benefit. Eligibility is not affected by your student status or student finance, but both of these are likely to affect your eligibility to low income benefits, meaning you may not qualify for the grant.
This is a benefit that is available if you are pregnant or you have just had a child. To qualify you must have a recent history of working. If eligible, you can receive up to £172.48 per week for 39 weeks.
Statutory Maternity Pay
If you are a student and are also working you may be entitled to (SMP). Or if you have worked in the past – with certain criteria.
Check if you will get it below:
Part time Students and if on benefits
If you are a part-time student then your benefits are usually not affected by your studying.
Part time students and student loans
See the the Gov.uk website.
Extra Student Finance for Parents
Contact Student Finance England.
Bursaries and scholarships are also available at various universities.
Universal Credit
You can only usually apply for this benefit if you are responsible for a child or qualifying young person.
If you live with your partner whilst you are pregnant you may be able to apply for it whilst pregnant.
You can claim it after your child is born.
Universal Credit consists of a ‘basic allowance’ but it may increase if you have children, pay for childcare, rent your home, have a disability or health condition, or if you are a carer or care for a disabled child.
Universal Credit contains a housing element. You will get more information from the link below.
Income Support
Although Income Support has been replaced with Universal Credit, if you are already in receipt of it, you can continue on this benefit if you are single, have a child under the age of 5 if you start studying full time. Be aware that any student finance / loans count towards income.
Mortage Support
You can get support for the interest on your mortgage. This is a Department for Work and Pensions loan.
Tax Credits (Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit),
Tax credits have been replaced with Universal Credit. However, if you already have an existing tax credit claim, being a student will not affect it. You will stay on the tax credits. You will not be able to submit a claim for a third child.
Child Benefit
Child Benefit is not affected by being a student or receiving student finance and it does not affect any other benefits you might be claiming.
Healthy Heart Scheme
This is an NHS pre-paid card to buy fruit, vegetables, pulses and milk. It is available to expectant mothers and parents of young children. Students are not exempt but need to be in receipt of a low income benefit.
Council Tax Reduction
If you are a full time student, you don’t pay council tax. If you are a part time student you may pay a reduced amount.