Support for Carers
If you are a young adult carer, you might be entitled to additional support. The Young Adult Carers Bursary is worth up to £1,000 per year to eligible home USW students who are unpaid young adult carers. *
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As defined by the Carers Trust, 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’.
How does it work?
You can apply online via the application form for the Young Adult Carers Bursary, which will be made available when the fund opens for the 2026/27 academic year in October 2026.
You’ll then need to provide confirmation from a person who’s involved with the family on a professional basis – e.g. Young Adult Carers Association, Local Authority, etc.
Students who were previously in receipt of Carer’s Allowance will need to provide proof from the Department of Work & Pensions that this has now ceased.
Yes, providing that your circumstances have not changed, you will continue to receive the Carers Bursary for the remainder of your current course as previously awarded.
You will be automatically sent an application form and will need to reapply to the bursary each academic year.
If you have not applied to the Carers Bursary in previous years, you will need to meet the Young Adult Carers Bursary eligibility criteria.
USW has a Student Support Fund available for students who are struggling financially during their studies.
For any queries about the Young Adult Carers Bursary, applying for the bursary or student finance, or checking you’re receiving the correct entitlement, contact the Student Money Advice Team or email the Student Support Fund Team.
If you’d like some advice about any issues which are having an impact, feel free to get in touch with your Advice Zone.
*Please note that funding allocations are subject to change, please check for up-to-date information.