Appendix B 

Criteria Used to Assess Eligibility for 50% Discount to the Contribution Charge

Definition of low income

Low income relates to students who are on free school meals or where a family is in receipt of the qualifying benefits for free school meals or who received the maximum level of working tax credits.

The qualifying benefits for free school meals are:

· Universal Credit - provided that the applicant has an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400

· Income-based Jobseekers' allowance

· Income-related employment and support allowance

· Child tax credit, provided the applicant is not entitled to working tax credit, and have an annual household income as assessed by HM Revenue and Customs that does not exceed £16,190

· Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

· Guaranteed element of state Pension Credit

It also applies to those students who are young parents on low income, who are on a means-tested benefit from the list above.