University students in England can no longer apply for maintenance grants. The change, originally announced by George Osborne in 2015, is the latest in a long line of moves that have reduced state support for those in higher eduction.
Three decades ago, as well as grants, students could claim a range of other benefits. Here’s a look at how things were then, and what students are entitled to in 2016.
1986
- Unemployment benefit or supplementary benefit – the forerunner of income support: available during summer break. Until October 1986, also available during Christmas and Easter breaks.
- Housing benefit: available for private digs. Scrapped on student halls in October 1986.
- Maintenance grant: up to £1,901.
- Tuition fees: £0.
- Equipment allowance.
- Summer hardship allowance.
2016
- Jobseeker’s allowance: available to parents during summer break. Income support is available to some full-time students, including parents and those claiming incapacity benefit.
- Housing benefit: available to parents and those entitled to some other benefits.
- Maintenance grant: scrapped for 2016-17 academic year. Replaced by loans of up to £8,200 a year outside London, up to £10,702 in the capital.
- Tuition fees: £9,000 a year. Loans available.
- Grants for parents, childcare, adult dependants: up to £2,757 a year depending on family income and which grant is applied for.
