Access to learning fund

diaboliquesaint

Hi all,
I am curious about this access to learning fund. I didn't even know it existed until I read about it on here today.
I am a mature student in my first year. I have a dependent partner and a young child. I did receive the maintenence loan and grant and adult dependents grant.
I suffer with mental health problems and have done so for years. I have been accepted for a dsa claim.
Anyway, I had to pay back a personal loan to a family member when I joined uni so that was £1500 gone straight away. I know I shouldn't have paid for this out of my student money but it was the only way I could. The rest of the money has gone on living and expensive travel to and from uni.
We are desperate now and have almost nothing left. I don't even think I can afford travel after this week.
Do you think I would be eligible for help even though I spent a lot on a loan that I really shouldn't have used student finance for?

Thanks

Oldernotwiser

I would be surprised if you were eligible but I suppose you might as well ask.

MrsManda

I agree with ONW's comments.
In addition have you made sure you are getting what you are entitled to in terms of funding?
As well as your maintanence loan, maintanence grant and ADG,
you may be entitled to a Childcare Grant and Parents Learning Allowance
You may also be entitled to receive Child Tax Credits.

If you have care/mobility needs due to your illness and have had them for more than 3 months you may be entitled to Disability Living Allowance

Is your partner eligible to claim any benefits?

As you are struggling it may be worth you filling out a Statement of Affairs on the Debt Free Wannabe board to see if they can help you cut down on your outgoings.

Indie_Kid

How are you getting into uni? There might be schemes in your area so that students get reduced or free travel.

dmg24

Can your partner not work?

newmum1

Hi There is another longer thread on this board entitled something like "earn £3500 in minutes" which is all about the access to learning fund. Im not sure why the others above have pretty much said that you wouldn't b entitled to it as each uni is different and has varying criterias. I would suggest contacting your uni and getting an application form fo further information. If you are genuining in need then that is what the fund is for, then you will be supported. hope this helps.

bzz

I agree with newmum1. Make an appointment with someone from your uni's finance office and explain the situation to them and that way, even if you aren't entitled to an Access to Learning fund, they might be able to advise you on other money that may be available.

Oldernotwiser

newmum1 wrote: »

Hi There is another longer thread on this board entitled something like "earn £3500 in minutes" which is all about the access to learning fund. Im not sure why the others above have pretty much said that you wouldn't b entitled to it as each uni is different and has varying criterias. I would suggest contacting your uni and getting an application form fo further information. If you are genuining in need then that is what the fund is for, then you will be supported. hope this helps.

That thread was started some time (years?) ago and money has become far harder to get than was the case then. It really isn't a good guide to the situation any more.

newmum1

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

That thread was started some time (years?) ago and money has become far harder to get than was the case then. It really isn't a good guide to the situation any more.

Yes having gone back throught some of it, it appears that some folk are trying to manipulate their situations so they appear to be in need.