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When to apply

It’s best to apply for ALG well before your course starts so you don’t miss out on any payments - but you can still make a claim later on in the term. In some cases, payments can be backdated.

Applications for ALG are now open for the 2008/2009 academic year.

How to apply

To apply for ALG, or to find out more about the scheme, you can:

• contact your college’s Student Services team - they can help you find out if you qualify, and take you through the application process, or:
• call the Learner Support Service helpline on 0800 121 8989

How can you help to avoid delays in processing your application?

To avoid delays in getting your money, make sure you’ve got everything you need before you apply. To apply for ALG, you’ll need:

• a bank account which accepts electronic payments through the BACS system (most current accounts can do this)
• a copy of your birth certificate, driving licence or current passport
• evidence of your total taxable income and taxable benefits for the previous tax year – and that of your partner, if you live with them

• Bank accounts and banking products (money, tax and benefits section)

What documents do you need to supply as evidence of income?

You’ll need to supply evidence of any taxable income and taxable benefits you got during the previous tax year along with your application.

This means that, if you’re applying for ALG for courses starting before April 2009, you’ll need to provide evidence from the tax year which ended in April 2008.

If you live with a partner, you’ll need to supply evidence of their taxable income and taxable benefits as well.

Taxable income and taxable benefits include:

• Tax Credit Award Notice
• Proof of salary or wages (a P60 form or a 52 week/12 month pay slip)
• employee benefits, such as a company car or company healthcare plan (supply a P11D form)
• income from self employment (supply a Self Assessment Tax calculation – form SA302)
• taxable income from property (supply certified accounts or a tenancy agreement)
• taxable income from savings, shares and other investments (send a statement or tax voucher)
• state, private and employer pensions (supply a P60 form or statement)

• PAYE forms: P45, P46, P60, P11D (money, tax and benefits section)

What will happen after you’ve applied?

You’ll find instructions on where to send your application form in the application pack. Once they’ve got your application, the Learner Support Service team will start to process it.

They will then let you know either:

What happens if you don’t attend college regularly?

You’ll only get ALG payments if your attendance at college is satisfactory. It’s up to your college to decide if your attendance is satisfactory - but they should act according to guidance from the Learning and Skills Council.