The University is keen to offer support to student carers, including a Bursary from its Hardship Fund, as it is recognised that caring often has financial implications (such as less availability for paid work and increased travel costs).
The Carers Bursary is worth £1,000 (full-time students) and £500 (part-time/first or final year March starter students) to eligible USW students who are currently unpaid Carers. The Carers Trust definition of a carer is “anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction cannot cope without their support.” Please note that these duties would be in addition to the usual caring responsibilities that a parent would have for a dependent child.
Students who received the Bursary in previous academic years and students who have disclosed that they are an unpaid Carer on their current year's University enrolment form will be emailed the link to apply for the Carers Bursary following enrolment. They will be required to provide confirmation from a person, who is involved with the family on a professional basis (e.g., Social Worker, GP etc) that they are a carer and current bank statements. 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.
Carers who are paid a salary in exchange for their caring duties or are in receipt of Carer’s Allowance would not be eligible for the Bursary.
If you have any queries regarding the Carers Bursary or would like to apply, please contact the Student Money Advice Team or email hardship@southwales.ac.uk.
If you need advice regarding issues which are having an impact on your studies, please contact your Advice Zone.
