Parents’ Learning Allowance: Hidden Grant Most Students Miss

TL;DR

Parents’ Learning Allowance (PLA) provides up to £1,915 per year in non-repayable grant support to student parents with dependent children.

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

If you have at least one dependent child, you’re likely eligible. The grant supports course-related costs like books, equipment, travel, and study essentials — not childcare itself (that’s covered by Childcare Grant).

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 Parents’ Learning Allowance?

Parents’ Learning Allowance (PLA) is a non-repayable grant from Student Finance England designed to help student parents cover the extra costs of studying.

It’s separate from:

• Tuition Fee Loan (covers course fees)
• Maintenance Loan (living costs)
• Childcare Grant (childcare provider fees)

The PLA is specifically for course-related expenses like:

• Books and study materials
• Printing and stationery
• Travel to campus or placements
• Essential equipment or software
• Internet and phone costs for study

Why Most Students Miss It

According to HESA data, over 60% of eligible student parents don’t apply for PLA. Why?

1. They assume all student finance is just “loans”
2. They don’t realise grants exist
3. The application isn’t automatic — you must tick a box
4. It’s buried in the “extra support” section of the Student Finance application

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

Learn more about UniStart’s mission.

How Much Can You Get?

Parents’ Learning Allowance Amounts 2025/26

Income Assessment

PLA is income-assessed, which means the amount you receive depends on your household income.

Full grant (£1,915) if household income is under £18,844.

Reduced grant on a sliding scale if income is between £18,845 and £25,000.

Minimum grant (£50) if income is over £25,000.

Important: Even if you earn above £25,000, you still get £50 — so always apply.

Who Counts in “Household Income”?

• Your income (if working)
• Your partner’s income (if applicable)
• Your parents’ income (if you’re under 25 and not independent)

You’re considered independent if you:

• Are over 25
• Are married or in a civil partnership
• Have children
• Have been self-supporting for 3+ years
• Are estranged from your parents

Most student parents are automatically considered independent.

Who Is Eligible?

You can claim Parents’ Learning Allowance if you meet all of these:

1. You Have Dependent Children

• At least one child under 15 on the first day of the academic year
• OR under 17 if they’re in full-time education below A-level

2. You’re on an Eligible Course

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

Part-time students are not eligible for PLA (but may qualify for other support).

3. You’re Eligible for Student Finance

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

4. You’re Not Receiving Equivalent Support

You cannot claim PLA if:

• Your employer is fully funding your course
• You’re receiving a similar grant from another source

Correction added: PLA eligibility is determined by Student Finance England based on your individual circumstances. If your situation is complex (e.g. shared custody), check with SFE directly via gov.uk/contact-student-finance.

What Does PLA Cover?

PLA is a flexible grant designed to cover the extra costs of studying as a parent.

Typical Uses

• Textbooks and study guides
• Printing, photocopying, binding
• Travel to campus or placements
• Laptop, tablet, or software
• Internet or mobile phone for study
• Childcare during exam periods
• Study space rentals or library fees

What PLA Doesn’t Cover

Childcare provider fees — these are covered by Childcare Grant (up to £204/week for one child, £350/week for two or more).

Living costs — these are covered by Maintenance Loan.

Course fees — these are covered by Tuition Fee Loan.

PLA is specifically for course-related costs that arise because you’re a parent balancing study with family responsibilities.

Explore more: UniStart funding resources

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
• Child’s birth certificate or passport

Step 2 — Look for “Extra Support” Section

In your Student Finance application, you’ll see a section called “Extra Support” or “Additional Support”.

This is where you’ll find:

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

Tick the box for Parents’ Learning Allowance.

Step 3 — Provide Evidence

You’ll need to submit:

• Child’s birth certificate (scanned copy)
• Proof of responsibility (if not on birth certificate)
• Household income evidence (P60, payslips, tax return)

If you’re sharing custody, provide:

• Child Benefit statement showing you as the recipient
• Court order or formal arrangement (if applicable)

Step 4 — Submit Application

Deadlines:

You can apply up to 9 months after course start, but payments may be delayed.

Step 5 — Receive Entitlement Letter

Student Finance will send you a breakdown showing:

• Tuition Fee Loan
• Maintenance Loan
• Parents’ Learning Allowance
• Childcare Grant (if claimed)

Step 6 — Payment Schedule

PLA 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 PLA Helps Student Parents

Data from UniStart Supported Students

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

Case Example

Sarah, single mum, two children under 10

• Household income: £16,500
• PLA awarded: £1,915/year
• Childcare Grant: £350/week
• Maintenance Loan: £9,700

Sarah used her PLA to:

• Buy course textbooks (£350)
• Cover travel to placement (£280)
• Purchase a laptop for assignments (£450)
• Pay for printing and materials (£200)
• Emergency childcare during exams (£635)

Total saved: £1,915 — money she didn’t have to borrow or earn through extra work.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Myth #1: “I don’t qualify because I work part-time”

➜ False. Part-time work doesn’t affect PLA eligibility. Only household income matters, and even high earners get £50 minimum.

Myth #2: “PLA is only for single parents”

➜ False. Married or partnered student parents can claim PLA if they have dependent children. Both parents can claim if both are students.

Myth #3: “I can’t claim PLA and Childcare Grant”

➜ False. These are separate grants. Most student parents claim both — PLA for course costs, Childcare Grant for provider fees.

Mistake #1: Not Ticking the Box

Many students complete the main application but miss the “Extra Support” section entirely.

Solution: Carefully review every section before submitting. Better yet, download UniStart for guided support.

Mistake #2: Missing Evidence Deadlines

Student Finance may request additional documents. Missing these delays your payment.

Solution: Upload documents immediately. Keep digital copies of birth certificates and income evidence.

Mistake #3: Not Updating When Circumstances Change

If your income drops or you have another child, you may be entitled to more.

Solution: Request a Current Year Income assessment if household income falls by 15%+ or notify SFE of family changes.

FAQ

Can I claim PLA if I’m a mature student?

Yes. PLA is available to all eligible student parents, regardless of age. Mature students with children often receive the full grant because they’re assessed as independent.

What if I share custody with my ex-partner?

You can both claim PLA if you’re both students. If only one of you is studying, the student claims it. Evidence like Child Benefit statements helps confirm eligibility.

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

No. PLA is paid directly to you and doesn’t require receipts. You’re trusted to use it for course-related costs, but Student Finance doesn’t audit spending.

Can I claim PLA for a part-time course?

No. PLA is only available to full-time students. Part-time student parents may qualify for other support — check gov.uk/student-finance for options.

What if my child turns 15 during the academic year?

You continue receiving PLA for the full academic year in which they turn 15. Eligibility is based on age at the start of the course.

Does PLA affect my benefits?

PLA is disregarded income for means-tested benefits like Universal Credit, so it won’t reduce your benefit payments. Always inform your work coach that it’s a Student Finance grant.

Don’t Leave £1,915 on the Table

Parents’ Learning Allowance is free money designed to help you succeed. Yet most student parents never claim it.

If you have dependent children and you’re starting university, you’re likely eligible for:

• £1,915/year in PLA (non-repayable)
• Up to £350/week in Childcare Grant (non-repayable)
• Full Maintenance Loan and Tuition Fee Loan

That’s potentially £20,000+ in support — without even counting your loans.

Ready to claim what you’re entitled to?

👉 Download UniStart and get step-by-step guidance 👉 Or request a callback from our team

Written by Radu Danila, UniStart Founder.

“I built UniStart because too many students — especially parents juggling study and family — miss out on funding they deserve. Parents’ Learning Allowance is a perfect example: £1,915/year in free support that 60% of eligible students never claim. Let’s fix that.”