independent student

Jen_83

Hi, please can someone advise me, I have been supporting myself for the last 3 years through benefits... i have been too ill to work, for some of that time I have lived at home, but I have funded my own way whilst living there, paid rent, my portion of bills etc.... if i have lived under my parents roof does that stop me from being independently assessed? I have lived away from their house for 2 out of those 3 years. I would really appreciate some advice on this.
Thanks
J

dmg24

Hi Jen,

Welcome to MSE!

I assume your name means you are 23/ 24? If so, if you have been living under your parents roof for any of the past three years, then you are unlikely to be classed as an independent student.

Could I ask where you are living at the moment? If you have been living away from your parents for the past two years, then you may be able to persuade Student Finance that you are an independent student.

You note that you have been paying rent to your parents, has this been a realistic market value rent?

From reviewing the information on the Student Support Direct website, it seems there is much more discretion applied than when I was applying (too many years ago!). Then, it was a case of, unless you have been living away from your parents for a full three years, you would be classed as a dependent student.

The best thing to do would be to contact your council's Student Finance Section, so that you can get a definite answer for your particular circumstances (the fact that you have been unwell may also be a factor).

Best of luck! x

Oldernotwiser

Sorry dmg24, I totally disagree. It doesn't matter where you've been living or how much rent you paid. (How could this be proved?) If you've worked, or been allocated benefits in your own right, for at least 3 years then you're classified as independent.

http://www3.hants.gov.uk/print/studentsupport/stusuppindependent.htm

Supporting yourself is defined as money coming in not by where the money going out goes. Follow the link on the above site and you'll see what proof is required.

Good luck

kr15snw

I have a feeling that you have to be able to prove that you have financially independant for 3 years or over 25 to be classed as an independant. Or they will go on your parents income.

I think....

Best of luck though

Jen_83

Thanks for your responses, and for the link to the website... from the looks of things on there it seems like i should be able to be classed as independent as i can provide evidence of receiving benefits for the last 3+ years.... will tick the independent box, send my evidence and see how i get on! Thanks!

saver2006

jen- i would be very suprised if you weren't classified as an independent student- im 18 and used to live with my aunt and uncle with no job and i was classified as independent so you should be fine- give the student finance people a call and ask