Views:

CCA is part of the additional dependant's allowances and is means tested. It’s paid to help cover the costs of childcare while you’re studying. It can be claimed by both full and part time postgraduate students at the same rate.

We can contribute 85% of your costs per week, up to a maximum of:

  • £155.24 per week for one child in childcare
  • £266.15 per week for two or more children in childcare

To apply for CCA all the following must apply:

  • you're receiving the postgraduate Social Work Bursary
  • you have children that are wholly or mainly financially dependent on you
  • you're using an OFSTED approved or registered childcare provider

You can find out if a childcare provider is OFSTED registered by visiting the OFSTED website.

You cannot claim CCA if either:

  • you're an undergraduate student
  • you're only receiving the Placement Travel Allowance (PTA) because you have not been included in your college or university's allocated bursary places
  • you're not using an approved or registered childcare provider
  • your childcare is fully covered through the free early years education provisions
  • your child is 15 years old or over at the start of the academic year, or aged 17 or over if they have special educational needs
  • you're on maternity leave
  • you're receiving the childcare element through Working Tax Credits, Universal Credit, or another publicly funded body

You can only claim childcare costs from one agency. You must decide who to claim from. We cannot advise you on this.