Help to pay for training

Our website gives information on the financial help you can get with course fees, travel fares or any other costs you may have to pay.

Joining a training programme may affect the benefits you get. However, you might become eligible for other financial help. If you have already joined New Deal and you start an approved training course or programme, you may qualify for a training premium payment - money that is paid on top of your benefit.

If you're worried that you may be financially worse off if you do a training course, contact Jobcentre Plus.

Career Development Loans

If you find a training course you want to do but are not sure how to pay for it, a career development loan could be an option.

• In England, you can find out more on www.direct.gov.uk or by calling the Career Development Loan Helpline on 0800 585 505.
• In Scotland, visit www.ilascotland.org.uk or call 0808 100 1090 for information on Individual Learning Accounts. ILA Scotland is a scheme that helps to pay for a wide range of learning programmes with various learning providers.
• In Wales, Individual Learning Accounts are also available . For more, visit www.ila-wales.org.uk or call learndirect on 0800 100 900.

The Adult Learning Grant

Being a student can play havoc on your finances. The Adult Learning Grant (ALG) has been designed by the Learning and Skills Council as a helping hand for adults thinking about learning to overcome the financial barriers that may stand in their way. It can be used to help with anything from the cost of books and materials through to childcare costs.

Going back to learning can be a daunting prospect for anyone. ALG is there to ease extra financial pressures while you are studying. Additional qualifications not only help you to become more employable, but may also help you to feel more confident too.

ALG allows adult learners up to £30 a week and is available for full time learners in England, aged 19 and over, who are studying for a first full level 2 qualification. To find out if you are eligible for an Adult Learning Grant call 0800 100 900 or visit www.direct.gov.uk/alg for more information.

What if I am on benefits?

Depending on your circumstances and the kind of training you want to do, training may affect the benefits you get. However, you might become eligible for other financial help.

The best thing to do is to contact Jobcentre Plus, where you can get advice on how to make sure you're not worse off financially.