Student finance after previous study

nimbo

amiehall wrote: »

I've received ALF money when I'm only entitled to a maintenance loan because of previous study. ALF won't provide any money towards tuition fees though.

since the last time i was at uni it seems to have gotten really strict...

they look at your income, and then allow you £60 odd quid a week, allow you some money toward rent or mortgage (but not necessarily what you pay) and then check your expenditure, against your icome if you have more coming in then they allow out the tough luck.

much more like how the benefit people look at things - they won't take into consideration previous debts unless they are council tax or gas and electric etc.

i got a snitty note back saying they they assume that students should be working part time. it's my own fault if i'd allowed myself to get in arrears with the leccie company they would have said yes was the advice i got off the guy on the phone.... hey ho.

amiehall

I've received the money this academic year. I had to fill in the form about your income and expenses etc. I was also advised that all students are expected to have an income from part-time work before approaching ALF. A set amount per week is accounted for as income whether that's what you earn or not. The same applies to expenses such as food, rent etc. The reason more standardised amounts are used is so people are not penalised for working extra hours or living more frugally. It also means I can't get extra money because I chose to do something like live in a nice flat rather than share etc.

I feel that all in all my situation was assessed fairly and I'm really sorry you haven't had the same experience. I would always encourage someone who thinks they could be entitled to ALF funding to seek advice on it from their university. If you fill the form in and they decide you're ineligible, what have you lost?

Oldernotwiser

blue_mum wrote: »

That's how they explained it to me ! What does it mean?

An undergraduate degree as opposed to post graduate..

blue_mum

Thank you, I googled it last night. I am so frustrated that I have waisted nearly a year getting very poor advice.
I will give the OU another call and see what I can do now.

Thanks again.

mikehussy

There are also a big issue after study if they don,t get job.
it may be arise a problem for any one.
be care.
thanks