Terms & Conditions

[jackie]

Does anyone know how the Assembly Learning Grant (ALG) should be treated for HB purposes?

In Wales the new maintenance grant does not exist instead the ALG is paid. Like the new maintenance grant the ALG covers basic living costs and students can receive up to £2,700. It no longer just covers books & equipment, travel and childcare.

I have spoken to the Grants Section in our Authority who have confirmed that the ALG is the same as the new maintenance grant in England. The advice they have received is that it is taken into account for DWP administered benefits. I would have thought therefore that it should be treated in the same way as the maintenance grant.

I have contacted the DWP to explain the position re the new ALG. They have referred me to the guidance manual part c Para 5.165 which states it should be disregarded. If this is the case students in Wales in receipt of the ALG would be treated more favourably than those in England in receipt of the maintenance grant.

Should it be disregarded or treated in the same way as the maintenance grant?

Any help would be appreciated.

[Anonymous]

Jackie – you have answered the question yourself.

[quote:656afcf09d]I have contacted the DWP to explain the position re the new ALG. They have referred me to the guidance manual part c Para 5.165 which states it should be disregarded[/quote:656afcf09d]

Nuff’ said. 8)

[jackie]

Jon
The GM refers to the ALG when it was intended for books/equipment, travel and childcare. Its purpose has changed this year for new students; it now covers living costs in the same way as the maintenance grant does in England.

The GM does not take this into account.

As I said in my last post the advice our Grant’s Section has received from the Welsh Assembly is that it should be taken into account for DWP administered benefits which seems reasonable otherwise students in Wales would be treated more favourably. 😥

[Author]

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