Students must complete an online application to apply for financial support. The application will assess eligibility based on the criteria mentioned above and require documentation as evidence. The process involves:

1. Registering for an account using your Student ID number here. https://iwcollege.paymystudent.com/portal/
2. Providing required documentation (e.g., evidence of income, household benefits, etc.).
3. Submitting the application online.

Eligibility for student financial support varies by program but generally includes the following:

• Age requirements (e.g., 16-19, 19+) Unfortunately this funding does not cover students aged 14-16 years of age.
• Household income thresholds - £33,000
• Residency criteria as per ESFA guidelines
• Enrolment in qualifying courses

• Half-termly bus passes to assist with commuting to and from college if the learner lives more than 2 miles from the education facility.

• There is no separate bus pass form – all financial support will be assessed as part of one application.

• We will be offering our eligible students with EHCPs a bus pass if requested – you will not need to apply via the Isle of Wight Transport team in this case

• Students with an EHCP requiring a taxi should apply to the Isle of Wight Council for travel support. Please contact the SEN Team on 01983 823470 or email transport.info@iow.gov.uk.

• Financial assistance for required textbooks, equipment, and personal protective equipment (PPE) necessary for coursework.

Free meals in further education funded institutions guide: 2024 to 2025 academic year - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Eligible students will receive meals provided on the college campus or receive BACs payments to purchase food for lunch when their main site does not have onsite catering facilities.

All students will receive a Student Card which will allow Free College Meals (FCM) students to access their meals allowance.

Eligibility for Free College Meals includes:

• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• The guarantee element of State Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit (provided not entitled to Working Tax Credit and with annual gross income not exceeding £16,190)
• Working Tax Credit run-on
• Universal Credit with net earnings not exceeding £7,400 per annum

• For students under 20, the Care to Learn scheme provides assistance.

Care to Learn: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

• For students aged 20 and over, support is available to cover childcare costs for timetabled hours at college. Please note we are unable to cover any meals or consumable costs for your child/children.

• Financial support for students aged 19 or over on eligible courses. Details on how to apply and necessary documentation are outlined below.

• Before taking out a loan, students are advised to access an independent financial advice service - Money and Pensions Service (maps.org.uk)

• Please note when applying for Student Financial Support through the college we will need to see evidence of your Advanced Learner Loan approval.

• will need to see evidence of your Advanced Learner Loan approval.

Eligibility Criteria - Advanced Learner Loan: Eligibility - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Learning and Funding Information Letters – due to be sent out to relevant learners in August 2024:

Students taking out an Advanced Learner Loan to cover tuition fees for eligible courses can also apply for additional financial support. To be eligible:

• Students must be aged 19 or over.
• Have an approved loan from the Student Loans Company.
• Meet the individual annual income criteria of under £25,850.

• Provided upon request to detail course funding and support options available.
• Include specifics on loan amounts, repayment terms, and additional financial support.

For extra support with food and hygiene products please visit the Isle of Wight Community Pantries.

Community pantries | Children and Families | Hampshire County Council (hants.gov.uk)

Community pantries and food vouchers (iow.gov.uk)

Please contact the Student Support team if you require support with emergency food and hygiene products.