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Part of Get undergraduate student finance: step by step

Adult Dependants' Grant

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1. Overview

If you’re a student and an adult depends on you financially, you may be able to apply for an Adult Dependants’ Grant of up to £3,545.

You could be eligible if you’re either:

The grant:

  • does not have to be paid back
  • is paid on top of your other student finance

You may have to pay back any money you are overpaid because of a change in your circumstances or course.

You cannot get an Adult Dependants’ Grant if you’re getting a Postgraduate Loan.

2. What you'll get

The maximum Adult Dependants’ Grant is £3,545.

You do not have to pay this money back.

Adult Dependants’ Grant will affect any income-related benefits you might get.

What it’s based on

The amount you get depends on:

  • your income
  • the adult dependant’s income
  • your personal circumstances, for example if you’re married or have children

How you’re paid

The money is paid directly into your bank account in up to 3 instalments per year, depending on the length of your course.

3. Eligibility

To get an Adult Dependants’ Grant, another adult must depend on you financially. They cannot be any of the following:

  • your child
  • a relative who earns more than £3,796 a year
  • getting student finance
  • your partner if you’re under 25 - unless you’re married or in a civil partnership

You’re also not eligible if:

  • your household income (your own taxable income plus that of anyone else living in your household) is over £15,835.98
  • you’re getting a Postgraduate Loan

If your course starts on or after 1 August 2026, the adult who depends on you must live in the UK. If they only live in the UK for part of the year, they’ll get less than if they lived there full time.

4. How to apply

  1. Fill in the Adult Dependants’ Grant section on your main student finance application - you’ll need to give estimates of your household income.

  2. Student Finance England will assess your application and contact you if they need more information.

  3. Student Finance England will contact you to tell you if you qualify and how much money you’ll get.

Supporting information

Student Finance England may contact you and ask for further information on your financial circumstances. This can include a copy of:

  • your P60
  • Child Benefit details
  • financial information from your partner, for example bank statements

Tell Student Finance England straight away if an adult who is dependant on you starts claiming student finance and you are getting an Adult Dependants’ Grant.