Study Buddies

Question 1 of 5

Are you currently studying full-time at a university or college in England?

This means any full-time undergraduate course — BA, BSc, Foundation Degree, HNC, HND or similar — studying 120 credits or more per year. Postgraduate students only qualify if studying Initial Teacher Training (ITT).

Question 2 of 5

Are you eligible for income-assessed student finance from Student Finance England?

This means you receive — or could receive — a Maintenance Loan or other income-based student finance. Most full-time UK home students qualify. Check at gov.uk/studentfinance if unsure.

Question 3 of 5

How old is your youngest dependent child?

The Childcare Grant covers children under 15, or under 17 if they have special educational needs (SEN).

Question 4 of 5

What is your approximate total household income?

The Childcare Grant is income-assessed. This includes your income and your partner's income combined.

Question 5 of 5

Are you currently claiming any of the following?

You cannot receive the Childcare Grant at the same time as these schemes.

Select all that apply

Question 2 of 5

Are you currently receiving Universal Credit?

You must be on Universal Credit to access the childcare cost element through this scheme.

Question 3 of 5

Do you and your partner have more than £16,000 in savings or investments?

This is a Universal Credit eligibility rule. If your combined savings exceed £16,000 you are not eligible for UC or the UC childcare element.

Question 4 of 5

Are you currently in paid work?

You must be working to claim the UC childcare element. If you have a partner, they also need to be working — unless they cannot work due to a disability, health condition, or caring responsibilities.

Question 5 of 5

Do you have a dependent child under 16?

The UC childcare element covers children up to the age of 16, or under 17 if the child has a disability.

You Look Eligible!

Call us now — it's free and takes 5 minutes

Mon–Sat · We'll check your eligibility and walk you through everything

Not Eligible Right Now

You can still join Study Buddies and pay directly. Call us to find out more.

You May Be Eligible

You passed all the other checks, but the Childcare Grant is income-assessed and we need to confirm your household income falls within the limit.

Mon–Sat · Free to call · No obligation