Advice needed: Can I say I'm living away from home to SLC whilst living at home?

EJ

Hi All,

I'm living at home with my mum but i need to pay her rent as she cant afford to "keep" me whilst I study. I'm starting at Uni in september and should only claim the home student part of the loan but as I need to run my car (no other way - cant get rid of car unfortunately) and pay mum rent etc I'm really going to struggle so need as much loan as pos and wondered if anyone else has been livng at home but claiming the away part of the loan?

I'm not doing this to get "free money" as totally expect and want to pay it all back as I'll hopefully be earning over the threshold.

Any advice?

Cheers]

EJ xxx

somethingaboutshopping

I am not sure how that will work as you will need to give them a term time address......... the loan should be means tested so they can account for your mum's circumstances too, let us know how you get on

RichyRich

I think that would be classed as fraud.

Scratch that.

That would be classed as fraud.

EJ

RichyRich wrote:

I think that would be classed as fraud.

Scratch that.

That would be classed as fraud.

Yes - i agree and that's why i am loathed to do it. As I said i will be paying it all back as will earn over threshold but just not sure it's worth the stress and worry for the extra money.

It's just a nightmare that i have to have a car - it bumps up my expenses by loads.

I also have a lot of healthcare costs so being a student is going to be tricky... oh well ...

EJ

RichyRich

It doesn't matter a jot whether you intend to pay it back or not, you would still be receiving (or attempting to receive) something to which you are not entitled. Have you considered applying to your university or college's Access to Learning (AtL) fund? There is a thread on it somewhere on these boards. The extra loan is about £600 if I'm not mistaken - could you get a student account and use the 0% overdraft as if it were your loan? Just be strict with yourself about paying it back! But definitely don't lie on the application form! You wouldn't want a) the weight of the SLC's lawyers on your back or b) for them not to give you a loan.

Rich

djhworld

You'd be deemed a fraud and could get into serious trouble with the law!

There's various disclaimers on the form suggesting this as well.

Crispy_Ambulance

If your family are on a low income, you may be able to live at home AND claim the full loan allowance, but you have to be assessed by the SLC. Claiming you don't live at home when you do is fraud.

si1503

RichyRich wrote:

I think that would be classed as fraud.

Scratch that.

That would be classed as fraud.

Agreed.

You'd be better off applying for a decent student bank account. A couple of banks out there are now offering £2k+ in interest free overdrafts.

parmaviolette

If you've got a lot of health costs, you should apply for help with prescription charges - most students are entitled to it, your doctor or pharmacy should have a leaflet about it.

When looking into Access to Learning Fund, bear in mind that they'll be expecting you to contribute £1500 of your own earned income annually to your own living costs (on top of student loan etc.). If you're unable to work even part-time, then the Access to Learning fund is definitely the way to go.

Savvy_Sue

You could also talk to your mum about together making sure you're getting Best Value for all your bills - changing suppliers for utilities, savvy food shopping and cooking from the Old Style board etc. All the suggestions you've had are better than committing fraud!

BillyBobThorntz0r

If things are as bad as you say, you'll be in a position to get at least £2k through none-repayable grants, add a possible £2k student loan, and then a £2k overdraft - you're looking at £6k! Why would u need to cheat the system with that?