Adult Dependants’ Grant UK: Who Qualifies and How to Apply

TL;DR

Adult Dependants’ Grant (ADG) provides up to £3,545 per year in non-repayable grant support to students who financially support an adult dependant.

This is free money — you don’t repay it. Yet most eligible students never claim it because they don’t know it exists or think they won’t qualify.

If you financially support a spouse, partner, or adult child with disabilities while studying, you could receive £3,545+ in extra funding to help cover those costs.

Disclaimer: Amounts shown reflect confirmed 2025/26 policy from GOV.UK. Always check the latest guidance at gov.uk/student-finance for individual eligibility.

What Is Adult Dependants’ Grant?

Adult Dependants’ Grant (ADG) is a non-repayable grant from Student Finance England designed to help students who financially support an adult dependant while studying.

It’s separate from:

• Tuition Fee Loan (covers course fees)
• Maintenance Loan (living costs)
• Parents’ Learning Allowance (course-related costs for student parents)
• Childcare Grant (childcare provider fees)

The ADG specifically supports students who have financial responsibility for an adult who depends on them, such as:

• A spouse or partner who doesn’t work or earns below a certain threshold
• An adult child aged 18 or over with disabilities
• An adult relative you financially support

Why Most Students Miss It

Adult Dependants’ Grant is one of the most commonly missed student grants — largely because many eligible students don’t realise it exists. Why?

1. Many students don’t know it exists
2. They assume “dependant” only means children under 18
3. The application isn’t automatic — you must tick a box
4. The eligibility criteria seem complex
5. They think their partner working part-time disqualifies them (not always true)

That’s why we built UniStart — to make sure you claim every penny you’re entitled to.

Learn more about student funding options.

How Much Can You Get?

Adult Dependants’ Grant Assessment 2025/26

Income Assessment

ADG is income-assessed, which means the amount you receive depends on your household income and your adult dependant’s income. If you qualify, you may receive the full grant (up to £3,545) or a reduced amount, depending on your circumstances.

Important: Your dependant’s income is included in the assessment. If they earn above the threshold, you may not qualify.

Who Counts in “Household Income”?

For ADG assessment, Student Finance England considers:

• Your income (if you work)
• Your partner’s income (if you have a partner and they live with you)
• Some taxable benefits or pensions (depending on your circumstances)

Your parents’ income is not used for ADG if you’re assessed as an independent student — Student Finance will assess this based on your age and circumstances.

Who Is Eligible?

You can claim Adult Dependants’ Grant if you meet all of these criteria:

1. You Have an Adult Dependant

An adult dependant is someone aged 18 or over who:

• Financially depends on you
• Lives with you (or you financially support them elsewhere)
• Is not your dependent child under 18

This typically includes:

Your spouse or partner who:

• Doesn’t work, or
• Works but earns below the income threshold, or
• Cannot work due to caring responsibilities or disability

Your adult child aged 18+ who:

• Has disabilities and depends on your financial support, or
• Cannot work due to severe health conditions

An adult relative you financially support (less common, but possible).

2. You’re on an Eligible Course

• Full-time undergraduate degree
• Foundation year (if part of a degree programme)
• PGCE
• Initial Teacher Training (ITT)

Part-time students are not eligible for ADG.

3. You’re Eligible for Student Finance England

• UK national or settled status
• Ordinarily resident in England for 3+ years
• Not receiving equivalent funding from another source

4. Your Dependant’s Income Is Below the Threshold

This is the most important criterion. Your dependant must earn less than the income threshold.

For 2025/26, your adult dependant generally must earn £3,796 a year or less. If they earn more than this, you will not be eligible.

Important: If your adult dependant’s income goes above the threshold during the academic year, you must tell Student Finance England — you may be overpaid and asked to repay the difference.

5. You’re Not Receiving Equivalent Support

You cannot claim ADG if:

• Your employer is fully funding your course
• You’re receiving a similar grant from another source
• Your dependant receives significant income from other sources

Clarification: ADG eligibility is determined by Student Finance England based on your individual circumstances. If your situation is complex (e.g. caring for multiple adults, shared custody arrangements), check directly with SFE via gov.uk/contact-student-finance.

What Does ADG Cover?

ADG is a flexible grant designed to help offset the extra costs of supporting an adult dependant while studying.

Typical Uses

• Household bills and utilities
• Food and groceries for your dependant
• Transport costs for your dependant
• Care-related expenses
• Medical or disability-related costs
• Day-to-day living expenses

What ADG Doesn’t Cover

Childcare costs for children under 15 — these are covered by Childcare Grant (up to £199.62/week for one child, £342.24/week for two or more).

Course-related costs for student parents — these are covered by Parents’ Learning Allowance (up to £2,024/year for 2025/26).

Your own living costs — these are covered by Maintenance Loan.

Course fees — these are covered by Tuition Fee Loan.

ADG is specifically for supporting an adult dependant who relies on you financially.

Explore more funding options: How Student Finance Works in the UK (2025 Complete Guide)

How to Apply

Step 1 — Start Your Student Finance Application

Register at gov.uk/student-finance between February and May for September starters.

You’ll need:

• National Insurance number
• Bank account details
• Course and university details
• Your dependant’s income details

Step 2 — Look for “Extra Support” Section

In your Student Finance application, navigate to the “Extra Support” or “Additional Support” section.

This is where you’ll find:

• Adult Dependants’ Grant
• Parents’ Learning Allowance
• Childcare Grant
• Disabled Students’ Allowance

Tick the box for Adult Dependants’ Grant.

Step 3 — Provide Dependant Details

You’ll need to submit:

• Name and date of birth of your dependant
• National Insurance number (if applicable)
• Relationship to you (spouse, partner, adult child, etc.)
• Evidence of financial dependency

Step 4 — Provide Income Evidence

This is crucial. You must prove your dependant’s income is below the threshold.

Submit:

• P60 or payslips (if your dependant works)
• Benefits statements (if applicable)
• Pension statements (if applicable)
• Evidence of any other income sources

If your dependant doesn’t work, you’ll need:

• A signed declaration confirming they have no income
• Evidence they’re not receiving certain benefits
• Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.)

Step 5 — Provide Evidence of Dependency

You must prove you financially support this person. Submit:

• Bank statements showing financial support
• Utility bills in both names (if living together)
• Marriage or civil partnership certificate (if applicable)
• Evidence of shared household costs

If your dependant is an adult child with disabilities:

• Medical evidence of disability
• Care plan or disability benefit statements
• Proof they live with you or depend on your financial support

Step 6 — Submit Application

Deadlines:

You can usually apply up to 9 months after your course starts, but your first payments can be delayed if you apply late.

Step 7 — Receive Entitlement Letter

Student Finance will send you a breakdown showing:

• Tuition Fee Loan
• Maintenance Loan
• Adult Dependants’ Grant (if approved)
• Any other grants you’ve claimed

Step 8 — Payment Schedule

ADG is paid in three instalments, directly into your bank account, alongside your Maintenance Loan:

Payments arrive within 3 days of your university confirming your attendance.

Real Impact: How ADG Helps Students

Data from UniStart Supported Students

Note: Data reflects UniStart-supported applications in 2024/25. Individual amounts vary based on household income and dependant’s income.

Case Example: Maria’s Story

Maria, 34, mature student with non-working spouse

• Full-time Nursing degree
• Husband unable to work (chronic illness)
• Two children aged 8 and 11
• Household income: £4,200/year (benefits only)

Maria’s funding package:

• Tuition Fee Loan: £9,250
• Maintenance Loan: £9,700
• Adult Dependants’ Grant: £3,545
• Parents’ Learning Allowance: £2,024
• Childcare Grant: £342/week (£11,636/year)

Total non-repayable grants: £17,094/year

Maria used her ADG to:

• Cover increased household bills while studying
• Support her husband’s medical costs
• Ensure family stability during her degree
• Reduce need for part-time work (which would have been impossible with caring responsibilities)

“Without Adult Dependants’ Grant, I wouldn’t have been able to study nursing. My husband can’t work, and ADG made the difference between just surviving and actually thriving as a student. Now I’m a registered nurse supporting my family properly.” — Maria, RN

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Myth #1: “ADG is only for married couples”

➜ False. You can claim ADG if you support any adult dependant, including an unmarried partner, adult child with disabilities, or adult relative you financially support.

Myth #2: “My partner works part-time, so I won’t qualify”

➜ Not always true. If your partner earns under £11,000/year, you may still qualify for a reduced ADG. Always apply and let Student Finance assess your eligibility.

Myth #3: “I can’t claim ADG and Parents’ Learning Allowance”

➜ False. These are separate grants. If you support both an adult dependant AND have dependent children, you can claim both ADG and PLA.

Learn more: Parents’ Learning Allowance: Hidden Grant Most Students Miss

Myth #4: “ADG is a loan I have to repay”

➜ False. ADG is a non-repayable grant. It’s free money to support you and your dependant while studying.

Mistake #1: Not Providing Enough Evidence

Many ADG applications are rejected because students don’t provide sufficient proof of financial dependency.

Solution: Submit comprehensive evidence — bank statements, bills in both names, signed declarations, and relationship certificates. Better yet, download UniStart for a complete evidence checklist.

Mistake #2: Assuming You Won’t Qualify

Many students don’t apply because they assume their situation doesn’t fit.

Solution: Always apply if you financially support an adult. Let Student Finance England assess your eligibility — you might be surprised.

Mistake #3: Not Updating When Circumstances Change

If your dependant’s income drops, you may be entitled to more ADG.

Solution: Request a Current Year Income assessment if your dependant’s income falls by 15%+ or their employment status changes.

Mistake #4: Confusing ADG with Other Grants

ADG is specifically for adult dependants. Don’t confuse it with:

• Parents’ Learning Allowance (for course costs when you have children)
• Childcare Grant (for registered childcare fees)
• Disabled Students’ Allowance (for your own disability-related costs)

Solution: Understand what each grant covers and apply for all that apply to your situation.

Combining ADG with Other Support

ADG + Parents’ Learning Allowance

If you have both an adult dependant AND dependent children, you can claim both grants:

• ADG: Up to £3,545/year for adult dependant support
• PLA: Up to £2,024/year (2025/26) for course-related costs

Total potential support: £5,569/year in non-repayable grants

ADG + Childcare Grant

If your adult dependant is your partner and you have young children, you can claim:

• ADG: Up to £3,545/year (if your partner’s income qualifies)
• Childcare Grant: Up to £342.24/week for two or more children
• PLA: Up to £2,024/year (2025/26)

Total potential support: £17,094/year in non-repayable grants

Read more: Childcare Grant UK: How Student Parents Get Extra £3,200+

ADG + Maintenance Loan

ADG is paid in addition to your Maintenance Loan, not instead of it.

Example funding package for student with adult dependant:

• Tuition Fee Loan: £9,250
• Maintenance Loan: £9,700
• Adult Dependants’ Grant: £3,545

Total: £22,495 in support — with only the loans needing to be repaid.

ADG + Universal Credit

Universal Credit can be affected by parts of Student Finance, and how support is treated can depend on your exact circumstances. If you receive Universal Credit, check the latest official guidance (and speak to your work coach or an adviser) before assuming how ADG will be treated.

FAQ

Can I claim ADG if my partner works part-time?

Yes, if their annual income is below £11,000. Student Finance England will assess whether you qualify based on their exact earnings. Even if they work 10-15 hours/week on minimum wage, you may still be eligible for a reduced grant.

What if I’m supporting multiple adult dependants?

You can only claim one Adult Dependants’ Grant, but Student Finance England will consider your total caring responsibilities when assessing your application. Complex situations require individual assessment.

Can I claim ADG for my elderly parent I’m caring for?

Possibly. If you financially support an elderly parent who lives with you (or you support them elsewhere) and their income is below the threshold, you may qualify. Provide evidence of financial dependency and caring responsibilities.

What if my adult child has disabilities but receives disability benefits?

Disability benefits count as income in the ADG assessment. If the total income (including benefits) exceeds the threshold, you won’t qualify. However, if benefits are low and you’re providing significant financial support, you may still be eligible for a reduced grant.

Do I need to keep receipts for what I spend ADG on?

No. ADG is paid directly to you and doesn’t require receipts. You’re trusted to use it to support your adult dependant, but Student Finance doesn’t audit spending.

Can I claim ADG if I’m estranged from my parents but living with my partner?

Yes. If you’re supporting a partner who meets the income criteria, you can claim ADG. Estrangement from parents doesn’t affect ADG eligibility — it’s solely based on your dependant relationship and income assessment.

What happens if my dependant gets a job during the academic year?

If their income increases significantly, you must inform Student Finance England. Your ADG may be reduced or stopped. However, if it’s temporary or part-time work under the threshold, it may not affect your grant.

Can international students claim ADG?

Only if you have UK settled or pre-settled status and meet the residency requirements (ordinarily resident in England for 3+ years). International students on Tier 4 visas are not eligible.

Don’t Leave £3,545 on the Table

Adult Dependants’ Grant is free money designed to help students who support adult dependants. Yet it’s one of the least-claimed student grants in the UK.

If you financially support an adult dependant and you’re starting university, you’re likely eligible for:

• Up to £3,545/year in ADG (non-repayable)
• Plus Parents’ Learning Allowance (up to £2,024/year if you have children)
• Plus Childcare Grant (up to £342.24/week if you have young children)
• Full Maintenance Loan and Tuition Fee Loan

That’s potentially £25,000+ in support — with ADG and other grants being completely non-repayable.

Ready to Claim What You’re Entitled To?

UniStart helps students with adult dependants navigate the application process with:

• Step-by-step guidance for ADG and other grants
• Evidence checklists and document templates
• Deadline reminders
• Real-time eligibility checks
• Support from our team of university application experts

👉 Download UniStart and get started today 👉 Or request a callback from our team

Related Articles

• Parents’ Learning Allowance: Hidden Grant Most Students Miss
• Childcare Grant UK: How Student Parents Get Extra £3,200+
• Maintenance Loan 2025 Explained: How Much Can You Get?
• How Student Finance Works in the UK (2025 Complete Guide)

Written by Radu Danila, UniStart Founder.

“I built UniStart because too many students miss out on grants they’re entitled to. Adult Dependants’ Grant is a perfect example — up to £3,374/year in free support that most eligible students never claim because they don’t know it exists. If you’re supporting an adult dependant, this grant could make university possible.” “I built UniStart because too many students miss out on grants they’re entitled to. Adult Dependants’ Grant is a perfect example — up to £3,545/year in free support that most eligible students never claim because they don’t know it exists. If you’re supporting an adult dependant, this grant could make university possible.”