PDF Parents' Guide To Student Finance 2010/11 discussion

Former_MSE_Natasha

This thread is specifically to discuss the content of the

Parents' Guide To Student Finance 2010/11 PDF

To discuss or ask a question about this guide: click reply

GlasgowGirl79

Do you have a similar guide for Scotland?

sunfunbun

I was wondering the same thing also my son received ema last year but I was told by my local council authourity that this year he doesnt qualify

Former_MSE_Natasha

No, the figures are for England only. Although SLC administers the loan payments for all students, it only looks after Student Finance England (not Wales, Northern Ireland or Scotland - they each have their own separate department), yet the logic in the guide is the same for everyone, no matter where in the UK you are.

Elaine_F

Good afternoon folks

This is my first ever forum so here goes ....

My son received full EMA when he was in each year at college - it was termed EMA guarantee and although my financial circumstances since changed for the better the Learner Support Service confirmed that he was still entitled to it, in full from Sept 2008, as it was a "guarantee" so it was immaterial that my household income had later increased.

My son has now gone to uni and received the standard loans/fees but only a small grant (due to the increased household income). Fair enough I thought but my research showed that if he started getting EMA from Sept 2008 (which he did) and then go on to university in the next 3 years (which he did) then he would be guaranteed the maximum Maintenance grant (which he didn't get).

We wrote to Student Finances asking about the Higher Education Student Support Guarantee (which is what I thought it was called) but they have assured us (twice) that he's been awarded the correct grant amount of £489.

Are Student Finance right? Have I mis-read it all?

Savvy_Sue

Welcome!

Might be helpful if you quoted the 'chapter and verse' you got that 'guarantee' about the maximum Maintenance grant from. It's not something I've ever heard of (which doesn't mean a lot since mine never got EMA!)

cotsvale

I have 2 kids at uni and do not qualify for a grant for either of them just loans - with the fees this is already £7000 per year each which will have to be paid back. They are both having to rely on mum and dad to make up their rents and clothe and feed them etc etc the loans to "maintain" them do not even cover the rent and mine are both self catering to try and save money. My daughter worked 2 jobs for a year to help pay for herself, Also the biggest joke of all is that the loan comes in 3 payments AFTER the rent has to be paid!!!!!! :mad:We are having to pay out over £1100 this week for my sons rent yet his loan which does not cover that amount will not be paid in until next week. Total shambles.

devildog

Elaine F I do recall reading the same thing although I do not remember where and it was nothing that I chased up(think I just sort of forgot about it) Gonna go and do my own investigations on it now

Elaine_F

devildog wrote: »

Elaine F I do recall reading the same thing although I do not remember where and it was nothing that I chased up(think I just sort of forgot about it) Gonna go and do my own investigations on it now

Thanks for your message! I'm still trying to pursue the matter and will report back if I'm successful.:wave:

devildog

Likewise

devildog

There is info on it on the UK Gov website and "providing it is approved by parliament"! .....students "could qualify" Terms and conditions apply.
Cashing in the guarantee

The earliest you’ll be able to ‘cash in’ the guarantee is 1 September 2010 - and you’ll need to do so within the time limit.

It is still not actually that clear though although must admit am scanning through as have to go out.
Anyone care to look and give their take on it?

Have found another thread on here dated 8 Jan 10(don't know how to link it) and apparently it was withdrawn!!
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2191287 perhaps I can link it after all