Funding for a second degree

Taiko

In the first two years of the course, you'll only be entitled to a maintenance loan. If you have children, which I'm making the assumption you don't, you'd potentially be eligible for the supplementary grants that go with that, which are PLA, ADG and Childcare.

In the 3rd year, you would be entitled to a fee loan and potentially a maintenance grant. The grant would be subject to means testing.

adamfairs

Taiko wrote: »

In the first two years of the course, you'll only be entitled to a maintenance loan. If you have children, which I'm making the assumption you don't, you'd potentially be eligible for the supplementary grants that go with that, which are PLA, ADG and Childcare.

In the 3rd year, you would be entitled to a fee loan and potentially a maintenance grant. The grant would be subject to means testing.

Thank you. Will that maintenance loan be restricted or could I expect to receive the full amount - £4418.

I do have a daughter and am looking into the other grants that you mentioned.

Would I be entitled to a maintenance loan in the third year?

Sorry to labour this. It's just that this is the most accurate information I've had so far. I'll ring SFE again tomorrow and see what they say.

Taiko

You'll be entitled to a maintenance loan for the duration of the course, so every academic year.

Just to double check, does the daughter live with you? Is there a partner? Just trying to give some sort of idea as to likely entitlements.

adamfairs

Taiko wrote: »

You'll be entitled to a maintenance loan for the duration of the course, so every academic year.

Just to double check, does the daughter live with you? Is there a partner? Just trying to give some sort of idea as to likely entitlements.

That's strange. Last Friday I was told that there had been a decision on my application and that I couldn't receive anything because of my previous degree. Are there any facts or rules I can arm myself with when I speak to them.

Yes, I live with my wife and daughter. My wife will be going back to work after maternity leave in September. We're hoping that she'll be able to work as little as possible so that she can be involved in our daughter's child care.

I don't expect my conversation with SFE to go well today. Once I've spoken to them would you mind if I reply here to seek advice on my next step.

Taiko

I mentioned that part from the internal guidance, which is their "Assessing Eligibility Guidance" document which you can find herehttp://www.practitioners.slc.co.uk/policy-information/guidance-chapters.aspx

Refer them to that document if needbe. You're certainly entitled. Unfortunately, despite the many years, telephone advisers still do not understand that, and generalise the advice they give to people. It's why a specialist opinion is better.

Once you've done the application, it should go to an assessor, not someone on the phones. They should be able to see this. I'm recommending a paper application though, and make sure you include notes in there to highlight that you only have an ordinary degree, not an honours. Certainly not ELQ.

adamfairs

Taiko, just to let you know that I spoke to SFE again on Thursday and they agreed that they had made a mistake and said that they would re-assess my application. We'll see how it goes but I wouldn't have made that phone call without your help and support. Thank you. You've made a massive difference to me.

Taiko

Glad to be able to help. Do let us know how you get on!

adamfairs

I spoke to them this evening and I got the adviser to read out the note that the assessor had put on my account, word for word. It said:

4/4/14 Super user referral 14/15-taken from lexicon*

Ordinary and honours degrees are both level 6 qualifications however you can receive funding to top up from an ordinary to honours degree. please see the end on / top up table for further details. Student is not studying a top up so will not receive funding. ELQ correct.

All pretty crushing...

The next step is to appeal but this goes against the documentation that I've seen saying that a Bachelor Hons was a different level to a Bachelor Ordinary. I wonder whether the rules have changed. Does anyone have any advice for appealing or a view on whether I'm already defeated? I will mention that I've had many different views from different advisers so this cannot be a clear cut decision.

Any help would be most appreciated.

Taiko

Certainly contradicts their own internal guidance.

I'll look into it tomorrow morning, but I can find no changes to classification. If it comes to it, I'll drop you a PM Adam. May well be that I'll speak to SFE on your behalf if we have to go down that route.