Unable to get maintenance grant

DropsOfJupiter_2

stevie1708 wrote: »

Hi,

I have been accepted for the maintenance loan of 3,575 and the tuition fee loan to cover the costs of my course, but as I haven't earnt over 7,500 for 3 years in a row I can't be classed as independent and my parents earn too much for me to qualify for the maintenance grant if their income is assessed.

I am 24 years old this year (before the start of the course) so it seems really bad that I'm still being asked for details of my parents income.

The loan as it is will just about cover my accommodation fees, and though I plan on finding work when I move there it isn't guaranteed that I will be able to find any, and I was wondering if there was any further help that I could find, or if i could appeal for the maintenance grant and if it would be worth doing so, on the grounds that I am 24 and have either been working or on benefits since 18 and need this money in order to start my course.

My circumstances: 24 in August, female, will be studying Special Needs Inclusion and Education at Wolverhampton University, and living in student accommodation. I live with parents at the moment and pay board. I'm currently on jobseekers allowance but obviously will be signing off when I begin university.

Really struggling and stressing out about this and will appreciate any help and advice.

Thanks in advance.

Stevie

I had the same problem as you actually last academic year. I was 25 years old and 23 days before the official start of my academic year (24th September 2012) which should automatically make me eligible for an Independent Student Status on the grounds of age alone. But SFE had a sneaky 1st September cut-off (which wasn't published in any part of their website), so I was subsequently unable to apply for maintenance grant based on my age.

So I challenged them and asked for my earnings to be looked at instead but apparently I did not meet the 'government's £7500 cap' which is the minimum amount a person in Britain needs to be classed as self-supporting (or something along those lines). I've asked them to cite where they got the information from but wasn't able to tell me. Hmm. My application for Independent Status was rejected once more.

I had to apply for University bursaries and grants such as the "Access To Learning Fund (ALF)" to help me with my costs. You could also do that - all UK universities should have a student finance support team with more information regarding bursaries for mature students/students who are in financial problems.


Hope that helps.

Taiko

Think you'll find the 1st September is referred to, just worded as the 1st day of the academic year.

The_Jakal

I would look at any other scholarship and bursary sources outside of the ones available from the government as there are a few charities and trusts that may be able to help (although no guarantee).

I would say the difficulty you may have in proving your independence is that although you have been paying a bond to your parents I assume (although apologies if wrongly) that they pay for your food, rent, bills and any other costs.

The argument from the government (whether right or wrong) would be that if your parents were paying for food etc. when you were living with them then why can't they do the same when you are at uni.

ps. I don't have a direct stance on this, I'm just trying to supply an overview.

stevie1708

DropsOfJupiter wrote: »

I had the same problem as you actually last academic year. I was 25 years old and 23 days before the official start of my academic year (24th September 2012) which should automatically make me eligible for an Independent Student Status on the grounds of age alone. But SFE had a sneaky 1st September cut-off (which wasn't published in any part of their website), so I was subsequently unable to apply for maintenance grant based on my age.

So I challenged them and asked for my earnings to be looked at instead but apparently I did not meet the 'government's £7500 cap' which is the minimum amount a person in Britain needs to be classed as self-supporting (or something along those lines). I've asked them to cite where they got the information from but wasn't able to tell me. Hmm. My application for Independent Status was rejected once more.

I had to apply for University bursaries and grants such as the "Access To Learning Fund (ALF)" to help me with my costs. You could also do that - all UK universities should have a student finance support team with more information regarding bursaries for mature students/students who are in financial problems.


Hope that helps.

Thank you I'll ring university if I still can't get the maintenance grant. I'm glad you got yours sorted it's all so stressful isn't it!

stevie1708

The_Jakal wrote: »

I would look at any other scholarship and bursary sources outside of the ones available from the government as there are a few charities and trusts that may be able to help (although no guarantee).

I would say the difficulty you may have in proving your independence is that although you have been paying a bond to your parents I assume (although apologies if wrongly) that they pay for your food, rent, bills and any other costs.

The argument from the government (whether right or wrong) would be that if your parents were paying for food etc. when you were living with them then why can't they do the same when you are at uni.

ps. I don't have a direct stance on this, I'm just trying to supply an overview.

Yeah you're right they do. Thanks for your input. I get what you're saying, still frustrating at 24 years old though.