Financially independent - final year

piggybankrupt

My son started Uni in 2012 for foundation year and is now about to start his final year of Computer Science degree. He moved into joint room in halls with his girlfriend in 2012 essentially leaving home. In 2013 they moved in to their own flat. She finished her degree last year and is now working but low pay. He works part time as their rent is expensive in city centre but I believe his income is not counted for student finance purposes. We have always done supporting information as parents for his student finance so our household income determines what he gets. However, we don't support him in any way as our income just covers our own outgoings and debts etc. My question is can he claim to have been living independently for 3 years to have his own household income assessed and would he get higher award that way? We have always put his address as ours for previous student finance but hasn't lived here since 2012.
Our household income is £46,312.68 and we have a child at home under 16.
Also does being in final year affect finance?
Thanks x

Maggie.Moo_2

I'm not sure whether he qualifies as an independent, hopefully someone else can fill you in on that bit, but it's worth mentioning that his final year award will be lower than previous awards as there is no summer break period to fund like there was at the end of first and second year. This comes as a shock to many students, especially those who revert to financial dependence on parents during summer breaks and/or those who have previously excluded the summer months from their budget.

In regards to reviewing his claim, it makes most sense to contact Student Finance and ask them.

Taiko

Doesn't qualify. The three years must be prior to the first day of the first academic year.