Young adult carers
At Liverpool John Moores University we understand that some of our students have additional responsibilities and commitments such as caring for a loved one. If you are a Young Adult Carer then we can offer a range of support.
Definition of young adult carer
Liverpool John Moores University uses the Carers Trust definition of what a Young Adult Carer which is:
“Young adult carers are young people aged 16–25 who care, unpaid, for a family member or friend with an illness or disability, mental health condition or an addiction.”
To ensure every student has the best possible student experience, we offer a range of support services to young adult carers. We know not all students will want to use our services and you are under no obligation to do so.
Support available to young adult carers
We understand that everyone is different and requires different types of support, below are some options that you can access:
- Young Adult Carer bursary
- Providing you with student funding help and advice
- Giving you accommodation advice
- Supporting you with academic issues, including liaising with your academic department and tutors
- Acting as a link between you, the University and external support agencies to make sure you receive a full assessment of your support needs through Barnardos
- Being someone to talk to if you need to
Carers allowance
Typically, full-time students are not eligible to claim Carer’s Allowance. If you are claiming Carers’ Allowance prior to starting your university course, your eligibility for this benefit will cease when you enrol at university.
It is important that you notify the Benefits Agency that you have started full-time study to make sure you do not accrue subsequent overpayment.
Our dedicated member of staff for young adult carers can advise you about other sources of funding, including bursaries and scholarships.
We have a dedicated member of staff in the Inclusion Team to support you, if you have any questions or queries please email imagine@ljmu.ac.uk and a member of the team will get back to you.
Students who are parents
If you are a full-time student and a parent, you may be eligible from extra financial support through state benefits.
Universal Credit is means-tested. This means that some of your student loan will count as income during term time. This also includes postgraduate funding.
Your Tuition Fee Loan and any Disabled Students' Allowance are not classed as income. Your benefit entitlement does not affect your student finance entitlement.
To find out more please contact our Money Advice Team.