Introduction

These guidance notes should be read in conjunction with the application form. If you would like help with the application form, please speak to the Customer Services team at any of our centres, or your tutor.

You can apply for help from the funds mentioned below if you are 19+ as at 31st August 2023.

• Discretionary Learner Support Fund (DLSF)
• Advanced Learner Loan Bursary Fund
• Community Learning Bursary Fund

The funds can help you with the cost of travel, educational visits, books, and equipment needed for your course as well as childcare. It may also be possible to arrange for the loan of a laptop to help with your studies or provide technology that is essential for participation.

All requests for technology will be reviewed on a ‘case by case’ basis: this
support is only available to learners applying for DLSF and 19+ Bursary Fund only. Please note laptops are only on loan and must be returned.

There is also a limited fund to assist with tuition fees (DLSF & Community Learning Bursary Fund only) for those who are not eligible for a fee reduction. ACL Essex are allocated funding by the Education & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) to aid learners funded by the ESFA or funded by 19+ Advanced Learning Loans.

Learners are advised to apply early as the funding is limited. Applications will be dealt with on a strict date received basis and this will be dependent on all paperwork being fully completed with all the necessary accompanying documentation. Incomplete applications cannot be considered and will be returned to learners.

Multiple Applications

Additional applications may be submitted and all requests for financial assistance will be considered although it may not always be possible to allocate funding.

Eligibility and Conditions

Eligibility does not mean an entitlement as funds are limited. No guarantee can be given that funds will be available when you apply. If there is a high demand on the funds, awards may be given at a reduced rate.

Contact us: aclstudentfinances@essex.gov.uk

Phone: 0333 032 1132

Eligibility: Learners are eligible to apply for funding if they meet the requirements as stated in the Funding Rules 2023/24 issued by the ESFA.

Funding support awards are always conditional on learners remaining on the course, maintaining an attendance level as stated on the learning agreement and complying with ACL’s code of conduct. Learners who do not meet these conditions may be required to return equipment, resources and any funding support they have received. Awards will be made in accordance with the published guidance from the ESFA.

Additional information required for Financial Support

Declaration of receipt of certain benefits which must be current and should be one of the following:

Qualifying benefits:
• Child Tax Credit (current financial year) income below £35,000 and not entitled to Working Tax Credit
• Council Tax Benefit – not single adult reduction
• Employment Support Allowance (income based)
• Housing Benefit
• Income Support
• Jobseeker’s Allowance (income based)
• Pension Credit
• Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• Universal Credit (household income below £35,000)
• Working Tax Credit (current financial year) income below £35,000
Evidence of Income:
• P60 – 2023 Gross household income of £35,000 or less (not including house
shares, or where rent is paid separately).
• P60 – 2023 Gross personal income of £25,000 or less
• 3 x wage slips (most recent) from you and your partner if household income
below £35000, or from you only if your personal income is under £25,000
• If personal income is zero, the gross household income may be considered
Please be aware that it is your responsibility to declare any financial support that you receive from ACL Essex to the Department of Work and Pensions, as Discretionary Learner Support payments may affect your eligibility to some benefits.

Please note for the purpose of administration of DLSF, ACL is required to have criteria for how it will administer and distribute the funds. Under the criteria, au pairs are regarded as family members and proof of low household income is required.

Financial assessment would be based not entirely upon an au pair’s income, but on the household income.

For learners studying a qualifying accredited course (from beginners to Level 3*)

*Learners studying for their first full L3 qualification or Level 3 Courses for Jobs may also be eligible. To check eligibility please contact Student Finance at the email address below:

ACLStudentFinances@essex.gov.uk

Please note: If you have an approved Advanced Learner Loan for your course fees, you can apply for financial assistance from the Advanced Learner Loan Bursary Fund. (see below)

The DLSF could help you with the cost of course fees, travel, childcare, educational visits, books, equipment needed for your course (please note that you may only receive a contribution towards the cost per item for approved purchases, so please check before purchasing equipment/resources) and loan of a laptop if required.

For those on Beauty or Hairdressing courses, as well as equipment, it may
also be possible to help with the cost of a tunic (learner to purchase and claim
reimbursement).

Advanced Learning Loan Bursary

(for learners who are funding their course through an Advanced Learner Loan). For learners studying a qualifying Level 3 to 6 course. You may be eligible for a discretionary award towards the cost of travel, childcare,
educational visits, books, equipment needed for your course and loan of a laptop if required.

For those on Beauty or Hairdressing courses, as well as equipment, it may also be possible to help with the cost of a tunic (learner to purchase and claim reimbursement).

Please note: There is no assistance with course fees available with this fund.

Community Learning Bursary Fund

For learners studying a Community Learning course (these courses do not lead to a qualification). You may be eligible for a contribution towards cost of travel, compulsory books and equipment needed for your course as well as childcare. Awards to pay tuition fees will not be given if you are entitled to the concession fee on the course.