PDF Parents' Guide To Student Finance 2009/10 Discussion

Former_MSE_Natasha

This thread is specifically to discuss the content of the

Parents' Guide To Student Finance 2009/10 PDF

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Taiko

Just as a note to anyone else, I will be on hand to answer any technical queries.

I have been employed as an assessor for an LEA for the last 3 years, and have a depth of knowledge regarding support, the regulations, payments, anything.

bobmccluckie

Taiko
Why not start by warning parents of the appalling situation at Student Finance England that they will experience between now and August?

bobmccluckie

Martin
Will you please, please look into the utter chaos that is student finance england. The new company set up to administer student loans in England from 2009 is in melt down. I will not bore you with my details but simply ask you to look at this forum as an example of what is happening. People are being told they are only getting minimum maintenance loans and no maintenance grants when they know they are entitled to them. This is a deliberate action by Student Finance England who are desperately trying to clear the backlog by fair means or foul.
Look here
http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=176

Taiko

Hi Bob,

I was actually on TSR before coming over here, and stil post on the forums. I previously ran an "Ask an LEA Assessor" thread there. However, this thread was removed because Student Finance England complained about the corretc information I was giving out.

In a post I made in February, I pointed out they were adding a functionality to their system where if they did get a backlog it would allow them to just non-means test everyone. There is no excuse for the delays though tbh, because statistics over the years have shown the relevent numbers, and they have had since 2006 to prepare for this.

I don't know what actually goes on inside their Darlington office, but I know they are having a lot of problems. Staff do not have the knowledge LEA's did, and have been known to make mistakes, hence people posting here and on TSR about them.

I encouraged people to apply in February when the applications became available. I knew this would happen the moment I saw the guidance sent out, so I tried to actually warn people several months ago. I'm still offering assistance, as with morale how it is, I couldn't care too much if I'm forced out of my job for doing the right thing.

stephenR_2

Very useful info for budgeting. I have to top up my daughters loan which is fine but does anyone know how much students spend on average and what would be a reasonable contribution over and above the statutory amount?

Lokolo

Honestly, it depends completely on the person....

Oldernotwiser

stephenR wrote: »

Very useful info for budgeting. I have to top up my daughters loan which is fine but does anyone know how much students spend on average and what would be a reasonable contribution over and above the statutory amount?

More to the point would be to see what they spend it on!

mcallister1

I have only just got my daughter to apply for student finance- she hasn't been well and also is disorganised. I can see this is going to be a problem as we will be at the bottom of the list.
She has said we will be supporting her application and I've filled in the bit about income. However, it is clear that we aren't going to be eligible for anything as my husband earns over the limit. That being the case, do you think its worth sending off all the documents etc or is there a way of asking for a maintenance loan without putting in all the p60s etc?

MrsManda

mcallister1 wrote: »

I have only just got my daughter to apply for student finance- she hasn't been well and also is disorganised. I can see this is going to be a problem as we will be at the bottom of the list.
She has said we will be supporting her application and I've filled in the bit about income. However, it is clear that we aren't going to be eligible for anything as my husband earns over the limit. That being the case, do you think its worth sending off all the documents etc or is there a way of asking for a maintenance loan without putting in all the p60s etc?

She can apply for non-income assessed which will mean that your daughter will get 75% of the loans available, but won't be eligible for any grants. However it may still be worth sending off the documents 'just in case'.

mcallister1

MrsManda wrote: »

She can apply for non-income assessed which will mean that your daughter will get 75% of the loans available, but won't be eligible for any grants. However it may still be worth sending off the documents 'just in case'.

Thanks for replying so quickly- I don't think there is any way she will get the extra, so do you think there is a way of changing her application? As it has already been submitted and it would be quicker if they were not waiting for stuff from us