Repaying Student Loans 2009/10 guide discussion

Cole_porter

Hi there, congratulations to the creators of this website, it's really helpful!

I have a couple of questions, so here's my story:

I took a loan in 2007, just tuition fees, and graduated last June (2010).

Yesterday I got a letter from the SLC asking me to advise them of my current circumstances together with any relevant employment details by completing some forms.

They sent me the UK resident form and the overseas income assessment form and I'm not sure about which one I should fill out. I'm gonna move to Italy next year, but I'm not sure if it's gonna be before or after April, when they repayments should start. What would you do? If I fill the UK resident form, is it easy to change my 'residency status' later?



The other thing that is confusing me is the following: I have no job at the moment, not that I'm not trying to get one, but I'm not being lucky. I started job hunting in June and nothing, it's distressing because I'm very well prepared but can't find anything, how can they ask for 3 years of experience if I just finished college?! urgh!
So my parents are paying my rent, which I don't feel very well about, by the way.

Because of that I'm gonna tick the 'I am unemployed' box on the form, but it says "you must provide evidence that shows how you support yourself financially". Well I don't want to get my parents into trouble so I'm a bit confused.

A friend told me that something that would work is to ask my parents to write a letter to the SLC saying that they're paying my rent or whatever. Is this true?

In case it is true, what things need to be said on that letter? Do I have to give details about my parents income? I don't want to cause them more problems than what they already have so don't know what to do.

Is there any kind of template letter that I can look to have as a reference?


Thank you very much, any help would be greatly appreciated.

MrsManda

Cole_porter wrote: »

Yesterday I got a letter from the SLC asking me to advise them of my current circumstances together with any relevant employment details by completing some forms.

In case it is true, what things need to be said on that letter? Do I have to give details about my parents income? I don't want to cause them more problems than what they already have so don't know what to do.

Is there any kind of template letter that I can look to have as a reference?

All they want to know really is what you're upto so they know how to collect repayments from you. Tell them what you've just told us - you are currently unemployed with your parents paying your rent. Are you receiving any other money? What do you live on?
Are you recieving any benefits such as Jobseekers Allowance?

With regards to Italy, as soon as you have a leaving date you should inform the SLC so they can update your record and arrange overseas repayment. SLC Overseas Repayment

Cole_porter

Thanks for your help Mrs Manda.

So the letter from my parents is not necessary? That's good news. I'm not receiving any benefit or any other money at the moment, but I was thinking of claiming for job seekers allowance since expenses, specially transport, are quite expensive.

thanks a lot, really appreciate it.

Oldernotwiser

Why are your parent paying your rent when you could be claiming LHA/HB/CTC? Are you claiming JSA?

Cole_porter

I haven't claimed for benefits because I've been very focused on getting the job. I thought it was gonna be easier and relatively quick to get a job because I have a quite impressive CV in terms of level of studies and similar, but it's being quite hard.

I also don't really feel comfortable asking for public money when there's so many people in worse situation than me. I don't know...


Anyone could confirm the letter thing, please? that would be such a relief

Poolie

You need to provide a letter from your parents clearly stating that they are providing you support while you are looking for work. SLC will accept this and not expect any repayments till you start work.

With regard to Italy, as Mrs Manda said, make sure you keep SLC informed as they could charge you a default rate of interest (£208 per month) and any tracing fees.

Cole_porter

Thanks Poolie for your help.

Do they need to say anything else on the letter? Any personal information or something? I don't want to miss any detail, just in case.

Mrs Manda said that I could write the letter myself, is that valid? I want to send them exactly what they expect to recieve in this kind of situation so sorry for being such a bother.

cheers

Poolie

You personal information just make sure it states they are supporting you (obviously state your name) and send it in with the form.

You could write the letter for you parents but they would need to sign it so depends if your parents want to write it or not.

Cole_porter

thanks a lot Poolie.

So definitely I can not write the letter myself, can I? someone said before that I could tell them my situation and maybe that would be enough.

I would prefer to do that and not getting my parents involved in the thing, but well...if there's no other option...


thanks guys

Poolie

You can write the letter for your parents to sign, but the letter cannot come from you. You can include the letter with the form when you return it to SLC.