(another) student loan question

brundle

Hi trusty moneysavers,

I'm in a bit of a pickle at the moment concerning my student loan. I dropped out of University in December, planning to go back this September. Now, despite my constant ringing around, I haven't been able to recieve a definite answer regarding my student loan...I'm not entirely sure whether I will have to pay back what I recieved the first semester...loan wise. Same with the grant I recieved. Also, they've loaned me for the second semester. I asked about whether I could give this back straight away, and again, no definite answer. :rolleyes:

I've explained my situation to the student loans lot, and I've been told to wait for some forms or the other (even though I've gone through all the correct avenues of releasing myself from the University, etc)

Anyone any ideas about any of this, and my legibility for support when I go back? Any help appreciated

chugalug

Will you be starting a new course? As far as I know you are allowed one 'false start' for funding. This means that you should get full funding for a new 3 year degree if you hadnt done a course before the one you dropped out of. As for repayments - when I had a 'false start' the SLC statements always said that I would enter repayment as agreed even though I dropped out of the course ie started 1999, graduate 2002, enter repayment following April (providing you earn enough). As I returned to start a different course a couple of years later my repayment date has moved again. As for the grant, the LEA also allowed a 'false start' and I receive a grant for being a single parent. I dont know how you go about returning the funding for the second semester - you would have to check this out with SLC. Surely others have been through the same scenario? Good luck anyway.

stuwilky

Best bet is to now write to the SLC in Glasgow (and copy it to your LEA) advising them that you have now withdrawn from the course and advising them of the date. It is worth saying that you will be returning next September.

What they may do is seek to recover the overpayment for the second semester by reducing your loan and grant by the amount for next year. That is one option, they may allow you to repay it now. Or as the poster above says they may just allow you to keep it (possible with the loan - unlikely with the grant)