Financial Support for Adults

Adult Discretionary Learner Support Fund (19+ DLSF)

If you’re aged 19 or over, you are encouraged to apply for the Adult Discretionary Learner Support Fund (DLSF)—a financial support scheme designed to reduce barriers to learning and help cover some of the costs associated with attending college.

What Can the Fund Help With?

Eligible students may receive financial support for:

· Essential course-related costs such as equipment, uniforms, and educational trips

· Childcare expenses

· A grocery store voucher or a small payment directly into your bank account

· Emergency hardship support for those facing unexpected crisis

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for support, applicants must:

· Be aged 19 or over

· Have a household income of £31,000 or less per year

· Provide recent evidence of income, which includes:

• Three recent payslips (if employed), or
• Evidence of qualifying benefits: Universal Credit, Employment Support Allowance (ESA), Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Pension Credit (Guaranteed Element),  Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

Free Meals

You may be eligible for free meals if you:

· Are aged 19+ and continuing on the same study programme started before turning 19, or

· Have an active Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)

How to Apply

Application forms are available via:

· The Student Portal

· QR codes located throughout the college

· The Welfare Desk on Floor 3 – The Hub

Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Please ensure:

· The form is fully and accurately completed

· All relevant supporting evidence is attached

· You notify the Welfare Team of any changes to your personal or financial circumstances that may affect eligibility

Important Information

· All support is subject to an eligibility assessment and availability of funds

· Students must maintain a minimum 80% attendance with all absences reported through official college procedures

· Longer periods of absence may still be considered for funding if supported by relevant documentation (e.g. hospital letters)

· Please note, apprenticeship programmes are not eligible for bursary funding

· Eligibility is subject to meeting to Department for Education funding criteria as set out here.

Please note: Each academic term has its own application deadline, and late submissions cannot be accepted. It is the student’s responsibility to apply on time and meet all stated requirements.

Need Help or More Information?

Contact the Welfare Team: [email protected] 0121 667 5073 Visit us at The Hub, Floor 3 – Sandwell College

Disclaimer

· Submitting an application does not guarantee funding

· All awards are subject to eligibility criteria and available budget

· Students are responsible for submitting accurate information and required evidence

· Students must submit applications only for themselves and not on behalf of other students

· Funding may be withdrawn if attendance or conduct falls below college expectations