Children/Dependents

[IrishScientist]

Just wondering what people know or have experienced regarding 'bumped up' stipends or allowances that grad programs make for students with dependent children.

Do they usually offer more money or is this unusual?

Thanks for your comments!

[StrangeLight]

i know a lot of people with spouses and children in my school and none of them received bumped up packages. in fact, the health insurance automatically included in our packages only covers the student, and if they wish to cover their families they need to pay out of pocket. so never mind bumped up stipends, they don't even get bumped up/adequate benefits.

different schools might work differently on this, but i've never heard of it as a policy before.

[neuropsychosocial]

Just wondering what people know or have experienced regarding 'bumped up' stipends or allowances that grad programs make for students with dependent children.

Do they usually offer more money or is this unusual?

It's extremely unusual and (I believe) illegal for schools in the U.S. to adjust stipends or fellowships based on dependents; if you're taking out loans, however, I believe dependents may increase the allowed loan amount, but I'm not positive about that.