Discretionary Support Fund
Help for those aged over 19 with essential costs such as
equipment and childcare.
The Discretionary Support Fund (DSF) is provided by the
government to help those having the greatest difficulty meeting
some of the costs of learning on a further education course.
We are currently waiting to hear what funds will be made
available to us for the Sept 2012-June 2013 academic year and hope
that eligibility and guidance should be available from May
2012.
For those who may be needing help for the current year (2011-12)
the following applies.
If you are on means-tested benefit or your income is below the
household threshold of £16,190 (increased by £1,500 per dependant
child), pick up an application form from any Warwickshire College
Student Services. Or email pshepherd@warkscol.ac.uk
requesting this form to be posted to you (please tell us you are
aged over 19 so we can make sure you get the right
information).
The DSF will normally help with:
- 75% of the cost of essential equipment, material fees and
public transport
- 50% of tuition fees to a maximum of £400 – limited amount of
funding available
- 75% for compulsory trip costs to a maximum of £255
Awards for travel by car will be made in the spring term when
available funds and attendance on course are known. Please indicate
on the application form if you need help with transport.
Childcare
The cost of childcare will be paid for the college nursery
(except for registration fees) for attendance time on course.
A maximum of £160 per week per child is available.
Other nurseries may be helped with some of the costs where a
college nursery is not available, subject to limited funds.
An interview is required for this award and weekly attendance
sheets must be completed.
Childcare will not be paid during personal holidays.
How to apply
Applications will be dealt with at enrolment. Please bring the
fully completed application form and relevant evidence of household
income together with your enrolment form (from your tutor) and
information about essential equipment costs (also from your
tutor).
You should bring at least 25% of the cost of the course
and/or equipment with you to enrolment.
Download the Discretionary Support Fund
Guidelines