Financial help

Do I have to pay a fee?
Can I get help with fees?
Can I get help with other costs?
How do I qualify for the discretionary Learner Support Fund (dLSF)?
Is there anything else I need to do?

Do I have to pay a fee?

Courses are free if:

•  You are aged 16-18
•  You want to develop your literacy and numeracy skills.

Contact your Regional Office to ask about having an assessment of your skills, about free courses and about taking a National Certificate.

There will be a fee for most other courses.

Can I get help with fees?

If your course is not free, you may still be entitled to fee remission. You will usually need to be:

•  A UK or EU citizen, and
•  Resident in the UK for 3 years when the course starts, and
•  On an income-based benefit such as Income Support or Housing Benefit - or be the dependant of someone who is.

If you have refugee status or official Leave to Remain or Humanitarian Protection, you will also be entitled to claim fee remission and to apply for financial help. You will need to provide evidence of your residency status when you enrol - usually your passport stamp. There are exceptions to this, so contact your Regional Office for more details if you are not sure of your status.

If you are an asylum seeker you may get help. You willl need to show proof of Asylum Support, and that you have been in the UK legally for six months or longer (you will need to show your Asylum Registration Card).

If you are on an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) course and cannot get fee remission, you may be able to get help through the discretionary Learner Support Fund (dLSF).

If you are on a university-level course, you will not normally be able to get fee remission or other help through the WEA. Your university may be able to help you.

Can I get help with other costs?

If you are in financial need, you may be able to apply to the discretionary Learner Support Fund (dLSF) for help towards:

•  Tuition fees (if you are on an ESOL course)
•  Exam or accreditation fees
•  Travel to and from your class
•  Essential books, equipment or field trips, as set out in the course details
•  Childcare (providing you are using a registered childminder, creche, nursery or playgroup)
•  Travel to and from your childcare provider.

You can apply for help for up to 3 courses in each academic year, and there are some upper limits on childcare and other costs, which change annually. It is best to apply early as the funds are limited.

If you feel that you are being prevented from learning because of financial hardship, contact your tutor or your Regional Office, as in exceptional circumstances you may qualify for help.

How do I qualify for the discretionary Learner Support Fund (dLSF)?

To get help, you will need to meet the residency requirements for fee remission. You will also need to show proof of benefit or income. Eligible benefits include Income Support, Job Seeker's Allowance, Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit.

We're sorry that receiving Asylum Support does not qualify you for this fund.

If you are not on benefit, but are on a low income, you will need to show proof that your gross household income falls below £15,050 p.a. - bank statements or wages slips will do. You will also be asked to sign a supporting declaration of your income.

If your income is above £15,050 p.a. you may still get help, depending on your circumstances, so do ask.

Is there anything else I need to do?

If you receive financial support, you must:

•  Let us know straight away if your circumstances change
•  Refund the money if you leave without good reason
•  Return books and equipment at the end of the course if asked.

If you need more information, please contact your Regional Office (or ask your tutor if you are already on a course).