Making it Happen: Financial Support
As the cost of living in the UK is increasing, many of us are worried about the impact it will have on our finances and wellbeing. To help ease some of those pressures or anxieties, the University is working with the Guild of Students to provide advice and support on managing finances – you can read more about this in our first update.
In the second of our cost of living support updates we highlight the additional financial support that's available from both the University and the Guild.
Support available for you:
Chamberlain Award: Every year the University pays out nearly £10 million to UK undergraduate students from lower income backgrounds through the Chamberlain Award. More than 4,800 undergraduate students receive the award, worth an average of £2,000 (assessed through your means-tested Student Finance application) each year.
If you qualify for the award, payment for the academic year will be made in two equal instalments: one in late January and one in early May. Payment will be made directly into the bank account you have nominated for your Maintenance Loan. We are currently in the process of notifying award recipients for this year and if you are eligible, you will receive confirmation from the Student Loans Company by Thursday 01 December. Visit our website to find out if you’re eligible for the award and how to apply through Student Finance (deadline is Saturday 31 December 2022).
The Guild Hardship Fund: The Hardship Fund is available to students who are experiencing a short-term, unexpected financial difficulty. The University has worked with the Guild to provide an additional £10,000 for emergency financial support, recognising the current economic conditions. More details about how to apply for the Guild Hardship Fund are available on the Guild website.
Guild Money Adviser: The University has also provided extra funds to the Guild of Students for a new Money Adviser in the team at Guild Advice. More information about the free, impartial, and confidential advice service is available on the Guild Advice page on their website.
The Student Support Fund: If you’ve explored the above sources of funding and are still struggling financially then you may be eligible to apply for the University’s Student Support Fund (SSF). The University has increased the value of the fund by £500,000 this year to support increased demand where the fund provides non-repayable discretionary awards to assist with essential living costs. Applications to the fund are fully means tested, so please note there is no automatic entitlement to an award. It’s important you read the criteria carefully before you apply. Applications for the fund are now open. Find out more about the SSF, who can apply and how through the University of Birmingham Student Support Fund intranet pages.
Support with living costs: Whether you need help now or later, we’re here to help. You can find lots of helpful information and advice on our new Support with living costs intranet pages. These pages will bring together the latest support and guidance so do keep checking it as well as your usual student communications channels for new updates.
Your wellbeing is also important to us and if at any point you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or down, about the cost of living, we want you to know that you don’t have to struggle on your own. You can always reach out to any of our Wellbeing teams and Services Learn more about our services on our Wellbeing pages on the intranet.