Applying as an Independent Student

Pipsy7

Hi Everyone

I am currently on my placement year out from my degree.
I'm applying for my loans for my final year; however I am now estranged from my mum. (Religious reasons), She is refusing to help me.

I have spoken to my county council about this and the kind man (officer person) said that I would need to write a statement and have some confirmation of the situation. (I have asked one of the University counsellors to, which they have) however when I called yesterday to check this would be ok, the kind man said this would be fine for my tuition fees.

The last two years I have received the full Maintenance Grant and requested £1000 in loan. My mum is retired and widowed so this was why and that as what has made my living arrangements comfortable whilst at uni, as well as working a part time job for both years.


Now my problem is… on the basis of applying as an independent student, will I just have my tuition fees covered and no help. Because otherwise I don’t see an option to carry on especially in to my final year with the hassle of working all the time when it will be such a demanding year. Although I see the other point to this too.


Will I receive any other financial help?

Thanks

Indie_Kid

You'll be entitled to the grant and maintenance loan like everyone else. What you get does depend on your circumstances.

Pipsy7

Well from my placement year I have earned less than £13,000.

This will form their decison right?

I've tired to read around it as much as I can.
My brother has always done this kinda thing for me, so just find it very confusing.

Taiko

Your earned income isn't taken into account. However, proving estrangement is what will entitle you to grants.

You're on placement this year, so you won't be getting any extra yet. If you can provide your LEA with evidence that confirms your estrangement, from someone who knows your situation and also that with your mother, you should be ok.

Pipsy7

Ahh I have that. 1 is my statement to the LEA. 2 is from a Counseller I spoke to about it last year. I have kept a record of conversations and what has been said.

This should be ok yes?

The way the guides have been worded aren't very helpful I must say.
But you guys... Thank you.

Oldernotwiser

But as you already get the full Maintenance Grant when assessed on your mother's income, I don't really see what advantage it is to you to be assessed as an independent student.

MrsManda

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

But as you already get the full Maintenance Grant when assessed on your mother's income, I don't really see what advantage it is to you to be assessed as an independent student.

The problem the OT is probably having is that if her mother won't help in any way this is likely to mean she won't provide her details for the OT to be income-assessed for the rest of her degree

Pipsy7

My mother won't help me, in that if she won't provide any of her details.
I now live independently, without any help from my mother.

Therefore, I have to go down the independent route if I want to finish my degree. I'm just trying to figure out if I have enough saved to get me through next year or not.

Thanks