forced to repay student grant

AnitaPat

Hi folks,
Sorry if it looks similar to other threads, but every situation is different.

I have problem with supplementary student grant (few thousands), received in 2009-2010.
Back then I was EU migrant worker and a full time university student. I was advised to apply for supplementary grant to help with living costs which is not paid back. My application was approved by my town Council officer and I was given money, which I spent on living.

Shortly after that Student Finance system was reorganised and centralised. New central office reviewed my application, decided that I am not eligible for grant and asked to pay it back in full! The reason was that student must be present in UK before academic year start. I came before my university academic year start (September 22nd), but according to them, academic year starts nationally September 1st.

This detail was not stated in their website back in 2009 when I applied. They have rewritten and redesigned their website in 2010. So I felt fooled, misinformed and trapped.

Due to family circumstances I am still in low wage part time job and agreed to repay £20 monthly. But now I want to leave UK and will be unemployed for half a year so even that £20 will become a burden. Especially sad as this situation was not my fault.

Can anyone scribble some advice on this? Is there any way to get rid of this grant at all?
Thanks.