FAQ: Hardship Fund
Q. What is the Hardship Fund?
A. The Hardship Fund is a sum of money given to the College by the Department of Employment and Learning, £410,993 in 2009/2010. It is used to assist students who are in financial difficulty with costs such as; fees, books & materials, travel, accommodation and general living costs associated with coming to college.
Q. Who is eligible for help from the Hardship Fund?
A. The Hardship Fund is available to students who are
- Aged 18 or over.
- Enrolled on a single vocational course with a taught element of at least 4 hours.
- UK resident
Q. Who is not eligible?
A. Students who are repeating a course or who are not working towards a qualification which is of a higher level than that they have previously completed. (ROI students can only apply for fee assistance through support funds).
Q. What if a student turns 18 during the academic year?
A. They become eligible from the day they turn 18 until the end of the academic year.
Q. Do students have to repay the Hardship Fund money they are awarded?
A. No, unless they leave the course prematurely.
Q. How much can students get from the Hardship Fund?
A. Up to a maximum of £3500 depending on their household income (this will include any grants which are paid by studentfinanceni). Payments are normally calculated on a weekly basis and range from £10 to £45 per week. The actual payments are made monthly.
Q. What if a student is independent?
A. On receipt of satisfactory evidence they could receive up to a maximum of £3500 (this will include any grants which are paid by studentfinanceni). Independent Students do not have to provide financial information about their parents.
Q. How do students apply?
A. On a NWRC application form available in Student Services from September.
Q. How long does the application process take?
A. Up to 4 weeks. Providing the applicant has completed the form correctly and submitted all the relevant documentation with the application.
Q. Can part time students apply for Hardship Funds?
A. Yes, part time students can apply for Hardship Funds providing the course is at least 4hrs per week.
Q. How do I track my application?
A. Students can track their application online, you will be given a hardship fund application number which will allow students to view their status, through the following link. click here
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