What classes as "home"

stenweb

When applying for student grants / support, etc they often as you "Are you living at home", which I believe affects how much you are entitled to.

Now in my case, I'm going to be a full-time student in September but may have to move into my mother's as she is nearer to where I'm studying, plus rent will be cheaper! Now for me, this has never been home, as she bought the house 5 years ago, and I haven't lived with my parents for 10 years - it would just be a temporary measure. I certainly wouldn't get any financial support from her.... so does this class living at home?

3plus1

stenweb wrote:

When applying for student grants / support, etc they often as you "Are you living at home", which I believe affects how much you are entitled to.

Now in my case, I'm going to be a full-time student in September but may have to move into my mother's as she is nearer to where I'm studying, plus rent will be cheaper! Now for me, this has never been home, as she bought the house 5 years ago, and I haven't lived with my parents for 10 years - it would just be a temporary measure. I certainly wouldn't get any financial support from her.... so does this class living at home?

Ordinarily speaking, home is your parents' house. So if your mum has just bought somewhere, that's your home, even though it's new and you've never lived there. However, I think normally with student loans etc, it's assumed that if you're living at home, you're not paying any rent. And since you would be... it's complicated. I would be inclined to ring up before making any applications, to ensure you've ticked all the right boxes to ensure you've explained your situation correctly.

I wouldn't imagine you would be treated the same as a student living at home paying no rent, but it's a case of ensuring the paperwork looks okay.

Gingernutmeg

How old are you? If you're over 25 you're classed as an 'independent' student and where you're living shouldn't come into the equation when they're working out what you're entitled to.

stenweb

Gingernutmeg wrote:

How old are you? If you're over 25 you're classed as an 'independent' student and where you're living shouldn't come into the equation when they're working out what you're entitled to.

28... I'll look into that - thanks.

barbie_babe

if you mean a home student-it means you must have been resident in the uk for the three years prior to the start of your course,normally for purposes other than education. you must also be able to show that you have settled status within the uk.So they are saying it donst matter who you are living with as long as you have been living in uk for three years.

seaweasel

I think the OP meant in terms of where they live, and as they're 28 it doesn't matter as they're classed as an independent student when it comes to finance.

Ytaya

I am 29, an undergraduate (on the old funding system, not the £3000 fees) and I moved back in with my parents to go to uni. I pay my parents rent. I had been supporting myself independently and away from the family home for almost 10 years prior to starting university. I am still classed as living in the parental home and am assessed at the lower rate of loan accordingly.

Check with your LEA, it might vary.

Compound_2

You are not expected to pay rent at the parental home whatever your age. You couldn’t claim Housing Benefit. ‘Independent’ at 25 means at that age your parents are no longer expected to give you cash. So their income won’t be counted for means-tested fees, grants, etc.