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Who can get ALG?

To get ALG, you need to be 19 or over, and studying in England.

Whether you’re eligible also depends on the course you are taking, and your income.

Courses that qualify for ALG

To be eligible for ALG, the course you take must lead to your first full Level 2 or first full Level 3 qualification.

You must also be be studying full time – at least 12 hours a week (equivalent to 450 hours of ‘guided learning’ a year, or 150 hours a term).

Finally, you must be learning at a further education learning provider approved by the Learning and Skills Council (check with your college if you’re not sure), and be attending college regularly.

Not sure whether your course is Level 2 or Level 3?

Level 2 qualifications are equivalent to five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C or NVQ level 2. Level 3 qualifications are equivalent to two A levels or NVQ level 3.

If you’re not sure whether the course you want qualifies, just ask your learning provider, or contact the Careers Advice Service on 0800 100 900.

Get more information about different qualification levels by following the link below.

• Qualifications: what the different levels mean

Your income and benefits

To get ALG, you’ll need to have earned less than the income threshold during the previous financial year.

For courses starting between autumn 2008 and summer 2009, this threshold is:

• under £19,513 if you’re single
• a combined income under £30,810 if you’re living with a partner

The income threshold is based on your gross income – income before tax or other deductions. 

Do you receive any benefits?

You won’t be able to get ALG if you claim getting ‘out of work’ benefits such as Jobseeker’s Allowance, or Income Support.

However, most other types of financial help won’t make any difference to whether you can get ALG.

You can still apply if you’re working part-time – and if you’re claiming most ‘in work’ benefits, like Adult Education Bursaries, Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit.

But there are some exceptions – check ‘The Adult Learning Grant and your benefits’ for details.

• The Adult Learning Grant and your benefits

Next step: find out how much you could get

If you do qualify, find out how much you could get.

• The Adult Learning Grant: how much you'll get