Caution for those applying online

bestpud

Thought I'd post this as it may save someone a lot of hassle.

I don't know how widespread this problem is, or if it is just for continuing students (doesn't apply to me as I'm part time), but my uni has just sent out this email:

It appears that for those students wishing to apply online for student finance via the directgov website are being led to believe that they can re-enter the site at a later date and continue with their application.

This is unfortunately incorrect.

You must complete your application in one sitting because as soon as you log out the application is automatically forwarded to Student Finance Direct and they will only be able to process your application on the information that they have received at that point.

Clearly this is not going to contain all the information that is required.

They have advised me that if you do not complete the application in one go you must file a paper application/hardcopy as you cannot access your application again. They recognise that this is a problem but could not advise me if it was ever going to be resolved!

Lokolo

LOL comedy. Thats pathetic.

I don't understand why you can't just sign up, gives your an ID and password then you can log in and start an application.

Pathetic system.

Fire_Fox

I completed my third year application online, don't think I actually finalised it. Few weeks later got a strange letter saying I can't apply online as a continuing student, so my application had been forwarded to my local council and I needed to start from scratch. Or something like that, it made no sense anyway.

Lokolo

The sites going down this weekend, maybe to sort it? Doubt it but it does seem a pain in the !!!! to be honest!

Fruitloops

That's odd. I applied for next year's finance online and was able to go back and complete it at a later date. Then I sent it off and got my letter stating how much I'll get and all that. It seemed to go through ok. I hope it's all correct.

Taiko

That email is crap. If you don't complete it, it's not submitted. Unless an assessor hits submit for you.

The university are talking nonsense I'm afraid.

bestpud

Hopefully you are correct Taiko.

Not sure I'd be so quick to dismiss a warning like this though as it appears to be based on student experience and contact with Student Finance...

Doesn't affect me, but if it did, I think I'd complete it in one sitting just in case.

Taiko

It is. I do assessments for an LEA all day every day...

bestpud

Taiko wrote: »

It is. I do assessments for an LEA all day every day...

Have you done it from the other side of the fence? Sometimes it hapens that things work right form one end but there is a bug when you come at it a different way iyswim?

I should add I have no idea either way!

That and I had a major issue with someone at my LEA once because she was convinced she was right (and said those very same words!!) She hounded me for days until I eventually worked out what she was doing wrong and pointed it out.

It wasn't a computer issue though - it was to do with the way she was calculating our income.

But she was adamant she was right as 'I do these forms all day every day..'

Wasn't you was it? LEA begins with a W...

I will reply to the email and ask for some more information as I'm curious now.

Taiko

I've also done an online application in the past, albeit not my own. Was helping a friend of mine fill theirs in.

PM me the LEA, because it's a bit spooky what you're saying. I can safely say wasn't me though, as last time I checked, I had a penis...

bestpud

Will pm you now.

I've been trying to remember her name, but can't for the life of me. I knew it well at the time as she was the bane of my life for a month or so!