This fund provides discretionary financial help for students
with an emphasis on vulnerable students in hardship and those who
have had an unexpected financial crisis. Warwick identifies some
groups of students as having special financial needs; these include
mature students, single parents, other students with children or
caring responsibilities and students with a disability or
illness.
This is not an exhaustive list and it is worth applying if you
think you have a good case. Each application is considered on its
merits.
Awards can vary from £100 up to a maximum of £3500 in one year.
Larger amounts may be paid in 4 instalments over the three terms
and the summer vacation.
A single lump sum is treated as capital for benefits purposes.
If the award is paid in regular instalments it may be taken into
account (with a weekly £20 disregard) for benefits purposes if it
is made for everyday living expenses. If it is for course related
costs, such as childcare, books or travel, it should be disregarded
when benefits are calculated.
Contact Advice and Welfare Services if you have any problems
with welfare benefits.
Who is eligible for the Access to Learning Fund?
Full or part time home students who are undergraduates or
postgraduates are eligible.
If you are a full time undergraduate you will normally have to
have taken out a full student loan. In general, you should have
explored other forms of financial help, such as a student
overdraft, before you are considered for an award from the Hardship
Fund. Postgraduates usually have to have already applied for other
forms of funding such as the Career Development Loan or
Professional Studies Loan.