Hi there.
When making an assessment we always check the household income from two years prior to the course start date. This year is used as everyone tax affairs are up to date and they will have a clear picture of their earnings. We would require these figures to be resolved first off and then only use them as a point of reference.
For sponsors who's income has changed we have the option to complete a Current Year Income form if there has been a 15% drop in income as a whole. This form allows sponsors to give us their expected income in the current year of applying which we can then base the application on instead.
The income we look at is anything which is taxable, whether this is salary or benefits so if there is none he would simply indicate '£0'
You would be entitled to a maintenance loan of around £3,500, Maintenance grants of £3,387, Parent's Learning Allowance which is given for purchase of materials for children of £1,508 and potentially an adults dependents grant if your partner is financially reliant on you of £2,500 and of course, your fees would be paid up to £9,000 also.
Thanks.