Argh Student loan help needed please!

charlishae

So here is the situation...

I am 23 and started university in January and am going back in september still technically in my first year.

My problem is that I want to apply for a means tested maintenence loan but Im not sure if I qualify.

I have supported myself since June 2007 since I dropped out of university after a year. (also worked a year beforehand on a gap year).

Now I read that you must have been supporting yourself for 3 years to be eligible but is that 3 CONSECUTIVE years?? Im worried that if they go by tax year I will miss out by a few months april 07-10 for me, is that the case?

I cant go by my parents income as although my parents now earn less than than the max income threshold due to my mum getting made redundant a few months ago, i read that it takes the average of the past 3 years so that wont work.( am i right?). My parents cant afford to give me any money.

Can anyone advise please?!

MrsManda

I don't think it has to be consecutive years but not certain. However there is no averaging of income for assessment of your parents income. You are assessed on the household income of the previous financial year. If the household income has dropped by >15% since the previous financial year your parents can fill out a current year assessment form.
Details and forms can be found on the student finance section of direct.gov

Taiko

The years do not have to be consecutive.

charlishae

Thank you both for replying, im going to try and get assessed on my income.