Student Finance

smegs1978

Hi,

Im after some advice.

In 2006/2007, i started a university degree and received a grant and a loan, i then unfortunately failed my exams so didnt return to complete my 2nd year.

In September 2011 i started an OU degree, however i really struggled with the independent study and decided in Dec 2012 i would apply to carry on the degree at University. So in May 2013, after being accepted on to the course, and applying for student finance, i received a letter from student finance to say that i was entitled to a full grant, but they would be taking £9000 off me due to an overpayment from when i was at university in 2006, after many phone calls, and no one being able to tell me why i was overpaid the amount, i finally spoke to someone in June 2013 who advised, as i had not sent back our proof of household income for the year 2006/2007, they had withdrawn any entitlement to a grant.

I have checked all the correspondence online, and could see no letter stating that i need to return the required evidence, only a letter in May 2008, to show that the grant had been finallised for the year 2006/2007, and was £9000 less than what i was entitled to. I do not remember receiving this letter and have had no letter since chasing the debt up, the first i knew of this was when i reapplied to go back to university.

At student finance, they said if i could get the evidence to prove what my income was for that year, they could reassess my claim.

I tried contacting HMRC to get a copy of my earnings for that year, but they dont hold records that far back, i also tried the job centre, but again as it was over 5 years they didnt have any details, i was completely stuck as to what to do as i didn't even own the bank account i used at the time, so couldnt even get bank statements.

After months of phone calls, emails and letters, in January 2014, i have finally had some contact with the discretionary payments department at student finance, and they asked me to get copies of my bank statments for the year 2006/2007 and they could then reassess my claim.

Thankfully i have managed to get copy bank statements, and have sent them off, and it looks as if they have finally sorted it out as it is showing in my payment schedule that a payment of half the amount is due this week.

I am now looking to see some compensation for the stress this has caused me. I have be unable to put my children in nursery as student finance didnt pay me enough in a grant due the overpayment, so i missed quite a few lectures which has resulted in me failing my exams at xmas.

Does anyone have any idea of what i should be asking for?

This could have all been avoided, had they chased the overpayment up in 2008 as i could have easily sent them the evidence they required, but due to there incompetence this has happened.

Sorry for the long post, but i am hoping someone will be able to help.

Blackpool_Saver

I have read your post several times and I can't quite understand what the problem is, they paid you on both occasions for a loan and grant, twice you were unable to mange (not your fault) but I don't think they can keep paying for the same study repeatedly, at least this is how it was explained to me. You get two goes then that's it, or so I am told.
I am aware I have not answered your specific question.

Taiko

Neither can I, but there won't be any compensation payable to you in my view. SFE are following the rules on overpayments and evidence I'm afraid. That's not to say you can't try, but it's most likely a losing battle.