Information for School Leavers

Adult Learning Grant (ALG)

ALG is there to help out with costs like travel and books while you’re studying for your first full Level 2 qualification or first full Level 3 qualification.

Level 2 qualifications are equivalent to five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C or NVQ level 2. Level 3 qualifications are equivalent to two A levels or NVQ level 3.

If you’re an adult studying full-time at college – and you qualify for ALG, you can get up to £30 per week during term time.

Who is Entitled to the Adult Learning Grant?

In order to qualify for the ALG, you must be 19 or over. You must be living and studying in England and meet the residency criteria for ALG. You can apply for ALG one month before your 19th birthday

The course you study must:

  • Lead to your first full Level 2 qualification or first full Level 3 qualification.
  • Involve at least 450 hours of ‘guided learning’ over a year, or at least 150 hours over a term - this equates to 12 or more hours in college per week.
You will only get payments if your attendance is 100% (except for authorized absenses. Please pop in to The Link for more information).

Your Weekly Payments

In order to get ALG, you’ll need to have earned less than the income threshold during the previous financial year. The income threshold is based on your income before tax or other deductions. For the academic year 2008/2009, the threshold is:

  • An income under £19,513 if you’re single.
  • A combined income under £30,810 if you’re living with a partner.
Benefits can also effect the amount you get, or if you qualify. You can still apply if you’re working part-time and if you’re claiming benefits like Adult Education Bursaries, Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit. If you’re getting benefits such as Jobseeker’s Allowance, then you won't be able to qualify.

Further Information

For further information on ALG, then visit http://www.direct.gov.uk/alg.

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