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    • Useful links: Education
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Education costs

Who is this section for?

Those in school, further or higher education

What does it include?

Information about the help that is available for those in education, who is eligible, how much you can get and how to apply.

If you have dependent children 16 or under, see also Expecting or bringing up a child. If your children are 16-25 see also Young people.

How to use this section

The left-hand navigation bar gives you a comprehensive list of the contents of this section. Click on the links to go to each page.  Some key benefits are also are described in the boxes below.

• School age

  If you are on a low income and responsible for school age children, you may be able to get help with: free school meals; costs of travel to school; school clothing

• Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

  If you are 16-19 years and have left or are about to leave compulsory education, you might get EMA if you are still studying.

• Student grants and loans

  Student grants and loans usually depend on your family's financial circumstances. Find out more about how they work and whether you are eligible.

• Students and benefits

  Entitlement to benefits when you are a student usually depends on other circumstances such as being a lone parent or having a disability.

• Useful Links

  Links to other organisations that can provide further information and advice on education issues.