Website of the UK government
Please note that this website has a UK government accesskeys system.
Main menu
Page menu
Education and learning
The Adult Learning Grant: how to apply
With ALG, you could get up to £30 a week while you're studying. It's easy to get an application pack - just request one online, by phone or at your college. But before you apply, there are a few questions you might want answered.
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 are now open for the 2009/10 academic year.
Get your ALG application pack
Applications for 2009/10
The easiest way to get an ALG application pack is to request one online.
You can also get an application pack by:
- contacting your college’s Student Services team
- calling the Learner Support helpline on 0800 121 8989
Applications for 2008/09
It's still possible to get an application form for 2008/09 from the Learner Support helpline: call 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
What documents do you need to supply as evidence of income?
Along with your application, you’ll need to supply evidence of any taxable income and taxable benefits you got during the previous tax year.
So if you’re applying for ALG for a course starting before April 2010, you’ll need to provide evidence from the tax year which ended in April 2009.
If you live with a partner, you’ll need to supply evidence of their taxable income and taxable benefits as well.
Evidence of taxable income and taxable benefits can mean:
- a Tax Credit Award Notice
- proof of salary or wages (a P60 form or a 52 week/12 month pay slip)
- details of employee benefits, such as a company car or company healthcare plan (supply a P11D form)
- proof of income from self employment (supply a Self Assessment Tax calculation – form SA302)
- proof of taxable income from property (supply certified accounts or a tenancy agreement)
- proof of taxable income from savings, shares and other investments (send a statement or tax voucher)
- proof of taxable income from state, private and employer pensions (supply a P60 form or statement)
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 if:
- you’re eligible for ALG, and how much you’ll get
- you need to supply more information about your application
- you’re not eligible for ALG
Not satisfied with how your ALG application was handled?
If you're not completely satisfied with how your application was handled, call the helpline on 0800 121 8989. It's staffed by Learner Support advisers who will be happy to help solve your problem.
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.
