PDF Parents' Guide To Student Finance 2009/10 Discussion

Savvy_Sue

I've said before, so think it's worth saying again, I've never given my student sons any help, even though I've been 'supposed' to do so. They have carried on working a day or so a week at our local cinema in holidays, but they haven't worked in term time. They've spent their first year in halls, and then moved into shared houses.

They do both live very frugally, although they both drink and one of them sometimes goes to clubs - but sometimes he says no, he can't afford it. One of them has an expensive hobby, which he funds from his savings from his job, and he just lives off his loan.

I'm waiting with bated breath to see how DS3 gets on. He's not worked for as long as the older two - refused to do a paper round when he was younger, and only started at the cinema job fairly recently. And he spends money like it was going out of fashion, and prefers to borrow from me because I don't charge interest - yet!

He's 'the one most likely to' demand that we pay the parental contribution, but I think we pay it in different ways!

MzFitz

My son will be entering his 3rd year in September - his loan is income assessed.
I was made redundant 18 months ago, but with the redundancy money and finding a new job quickly there wasn't much difference in my income for that period. This year, however, there is a big downward difference and I need to complete the Current Year Income Assessment Form 2010/2011.
But.
My husband - his father - is earning a little more this year - he is in the TA - at the moment is in Afghanistan and they get extra money for being away. Does this count on the assessment? There is a tick box section in the direct.gov site that asks "if you have a parent living abroad" - what's the answer to that one? And - there is no way my husband can fill in the form online - or call Student Finance - or even if I fill in the form, he can't sign it. And I don't really know how different my husband's income is going to be from the 2008-09 - yes, it will be slightly more, but I don't know if it will push us over the threashold for partial assistance for our son.
I've tried calling them and explaining, they were able to give me my ART number (which I couldn't find), but couldn't give me advice on behalf of my husband. I know if I write to him and ask for his ART number he won't know.
Help, anyone?

Savvy_Sue

I've never been able to find my ART number again, let alone use it. it doesn't seem to have mattered much.

I would complete the forms and send them off as best you can, with a note explaining why DH hasn't signed it. Get it in in good time (must remind DS2 to get a move on!) and see what happens.

mandyjayneb

please can you help with this? For student finance does parent have to declare tax free lump sum from a company pension payment for 2010-2011?

Sylvan

We have a son who has applied for his second year of student finance (and we have done our bit).
The next one is about to make his application (for the first year). Will he have to do anything special when he applies, to make sure they link his with his brother's?

Savvy_Sue

I'm sure there's a bit on the form to tick, thinking back. I know it worked fairly well for us, I think because they changed the tax year that assessments were based on we didn't have to supply any financial info, and it was all linked in perfectly.

And even though we put the wrong date of birth for the youngest (still at school) they assessed us correctly, someone must have realised we'd got it wrong before we told them and asked for it to be changed.

Sylvan

Thanks Savvy_Sue.

devildog

MzFitz
Can't completely help you but what I can say is my DH was away last year and unable to do an online support or sign 'paper' application so I submitted a 'joint' application , wrote a covering letter and he signed appropriate paperwork when he was home.
My (limited) understanding is if someone is in Forces (or TA) they are not counted as 'living abroad'. As for extra money I assume it could be overseas allowance and/or separation allowance which if I recall is not taxable however i am not sure if Student Finance would class it as available income-would be interested to know!!

I think I may have some paperwork on it somewhere will try and dig it out although Taiko may beat me to it with the answer

Taiko

Need to look into it myself, will get back in a few days as I've a lot on at the moment.

Caz3121

Hope someone can help with this one

DSS (17) currently lives with mum in England at 6th form college

long story but mum now kicking him out so choice of being homeless or coming to live with us in Scotland

Has an interview next week for an HNC/HND course and worried a bit about funding.

Hubbie (his dad) being made redundant next month so only income will be mine which is good but will be paying all the rent / bills etc till he gets a new job. Hubbie has lived in Scotland 6 years + (both parents also Scottish although he was brought up in England)

Have explained to SAAS who say he may be able to apply to them for support which I believe will be based on my income but possibly no tuition fees(?) but they cannot say at this point if he would be eligible
Is the alternative that he applies through the English system for funding to study in Scotland based on his mother's household income?