Any extra funding for student after sickness?

chris.lloyd

I am currently on my PGCE course which I started last September but shortly after starting, I was diagnosed with Thyroid cancer and I had to have it removed and then have radiation which mean I've had to stay an extra semester in order to complete the course.

I received a student loan for the 2012/13 year but now I'm struggling as I won't have a job until January and the student loan has pretty much gone - does anyone know if there is extra funding for someone with these circumstances?

Thanks,

Chris

southoftheriver

I would check whether the access fund still exists at universities. Most universities have a hardship scheme, have you checked what yours offers?

And sorry to hear about your illness. My family have been affected by thyroid cancer and I remember how worrying and draining it was. Good luck with the rest of your PGCE.

chesternutz

Hi Chris
I have had two cancer recurrances during my top up of my HND to a BA in Art. If you contact your college and get proof of your suspending studies, get a copy of the letter, a copy of the letter from your consultant saying when you were diagnosed when you were treated and what with and contact student loans with the evidence they should provide you with an extra year or even just the semester you need to study due to the reason being for compelling medical reasons.

Good luck with this, and with your recovery :A

fishybusiness

Agree with chesternutz.

Have been through this myself. Pulled out of year 2 of my degree due to multiple myeloma - bone marrow cancer. Chemo and stem cell transplant kept me out of study for the full year.

My specialist nurse wrote me a letter stating what was wrong, when diagnosis was made, what treatment I was undergoing, how long it would last and noted how tired I would be afterwards, and recovery time.

Wrote to SFE, sent letter in to address they provided and they paid my full year of loan and grant, as an extra year to allow me to live whilst on treatment.

Recovered, continued the course and finished, and was given the rest of the student finance during my studies. In total I had four years of student finance.

Good luck.