Quick answer
The Adult Dependants’ Grant (ADG) is extra money from Student Finance England for full-time students who have an adult who depends on them financially, such as a husband, wife or partner. It is worth up to £3,545 in 2026/27, it does not have to be paid back, and it is paid on top of your other student finance (GOV.UK: Adult Dependants’ Grant, GOV.UK: support 2026 to 2027). You are not eligible if your household income is over £15,835.98, and you apply in the ADG section of your main student finance application (GOV.UK: ADG eligibility).
General information for UK home students living in England, based on GOV.UK guidance checked on 19 October 2026. Rules and figures change each year. AF Education is not Student Finance England (SFE); your SFE assessment decides what you receive.
Many mature students support a partner or another adult while they study. If that is you, the ADG can sit alongside your Tuition Fee Loan and Maintenance Loan. This guide explains who counts as an adult dependant, the income limits, how the grant is paid and what SFE may ask you to send. For the full picture of funding, see our student finance hub.
What is the Adult Dependants’ Grant?
GOV.UK describes the ADG as a grant for students who have an adult who depends on them financially. You could be eligible if you are in full-time higher education, or if you are studying 120 credits or more on a year of a course funded through the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (GOV.UK: Adult Dependants’ Grant). Key points:
- It does not have to be paid back.
- It is paid on top of your other student finance.
- You cannot get it if you are getting a Postgraduate Loan.
- You may have to pay back money you are overpaid because of a change in your circumstances or course.
Who can be your adult dependant?
Another adult must depend on you financially. GOV.UK says they cannot be any of the following (GOV.UK: ADG eligibility):
- your child
- a relative who earns more than £3,796 a year
- someone getting student finance
- your partner if you are under 25, unless you are married or in a civil partnership
So if you are 25 or over, a partner you live with can count. If you are under 25, a husband, wife or civil partner can count, but an unmarried partner cannot. For courses starting on or after 1 August 2026, the adult who depends on you must live in the UK; if they only live in the UK for part of the year, you will get less.
The household income limit
You are not eligible if your household income is over £15,835.98. GOV.UK defines household income here as your own taxable income plus that of anyone else living in your household (GOV.UK: ADG eligibility). For 2026/27 applications, SFE asks for household income from the 2024 to 2025 tax year (GOV.UK: household income). If your household’s income has dropped a lot since then, read our guide to current year income assessment.
How much you could get
The maximum ADG is £3,545. The 2026/27 student support rates confirm that the maximum grants for full-time students with adult or child dependants stay at the same levels as in 2025/26 (GOV.UK: support with living and other costs 2026 to 2027). The amount you get depends on (GOV.UK: ADG, what you’ll get):
- your income
- the adult dependant’s income
- your personal circumstances, for example if you are married or have children
The GOV.UK student finance calculator can estimate your Maintenance Loan and tell you whether you may be eligible for extra grants.
How the grant is paid
GOV.UK says the money is paid directly into your bank account in up to 3 instalments a year, depending on the length of your course (GOV.UK: ADG, what you’ll get). Our guide to student finance payment dates explains when instalments usually arrive.
Benefits and the ADG
The ADG does not have to be repaid, but GOV.UK says it will affect any income-related benefits you might get (GOV.UK: ADG, what you’ll get). If you or your partner claim Universal Credit, read Can I Study While on Universal Credit? and check with the benefit office before you rely on the money.
How to apply
- Fill in the Adult Dependants’ Grant section of your main student finance application. You will need to give estimates of your household income (GOV.UK: how to apply for ADG).
- SFE assesses your application and contacts you if it needs more information.
- SFE tells you whether you qualify and how much you will get.
GOV.UK also publishes a separate Application for Dependants’ Grants form for 2026 to 2027, which you can use if you need to apply for dependants’ grants on their own.
Evidence SFE may ask for
SFE may ask for more information about your financial circumstances. GOV.UK says this can include a copy of your P60, Child Benefit details, or financial information from your partner, for example bank statements (GOV.UK: how to apply for ADG). Keep these ready so a request does not hold up your payment. Our student finance documents checklist covers the rest of your paperwork.
Changes you must report
Tell SFE straight away if the adult who depends on you starts claiming student finance while you are getting the ADG (GOV.UK: how to apply for ADG). Report other changes, such as separating from your partner, as soon as they happen, because you may have to repay any overpayment.
Studied before? You can still apply
Previous study can limit your loans, but SFE’s 2026 to 2027 guide says Dependants’ Grants are still available if you have studied in higher education before (GOV.UK: how you’re assessed and paid 2026 to 2027). See How Many Years of Student Finance? for how previous study affects your loans.
Other help if you have children
The ADG is for adults only. If you also have children, look at the Parents’ Learning Allowance (up to £2,024 in 2026/27) and the Childcare Grant (GOV.UK: support 2026 to 2027). Both are explained in Student Finance for Parents 2026/27. If your partner lives with you, their income also affects your Maintenance Loan; see Partner’s Income and Student Finance 2026/27.
Studying around work and family
Many of the funded courses AF Education helps with are timetabled for typically 1–2 campus days a week, about 2–4 hours a day, so students can work while studying. Browse courses or read our guide to university for mature students.
Frequently asked questions
Who counts as an adult dependant for student finance?
An adult who depends on you financially. GOV.UK says it cannot be your child, a relative earning more than £3,796 a year, someone getting student finance, or your partner if you are under 25 and not married or in a civil partnership.
How much is the Adult Dependants’ Grant in 2026/27?
Up to £3,545. The amount depends on your income, your dependant’s income and your circumstances.
Do I have to pay the Adult Dependants’ Grant back?
No. It is a grant, not a loan. You may have to repay money you are overpaid because your circumstances or course change.
Can part-time students get the Adult Dependants’ Grant?
GOV.UK lists it for full-time students only. It is also available on a year of 120 credits or more funded through the Lifelong Learning Entitlement.
Can I get it alongside a Maintenance Loan?
Yes. GOV.UK says the grant is paid on top of your other student finance, but it will affect any income-related benefits you get.
Next steps
Check your household income for the 2024 to 2025 tax year against the £15,835.98 limit, then tick the ADG section when you apply. Keep your P60 and your partner’s bank statements ready in case SFE asks.
Prefer to talk? Call AF Education on 020 7377 8844, email info@afeducation.co.uk or visit us at 47 Cavell Street, London E1 2BP. Our help is free for UK home students living in England.
