Extenuating Circumstances for Quitting University and the Financial Implications 6 July 2015 at 5:02PM edited 30 November -1 at 1:00AM in Student Money Saving 5 replies 1.9K views

megancollington

I quit university in January of this year due to serious health implications. I had already been paid my second instalment from Student Finance (loan and grant) when I quit, which had immediately been paid to my accommodation office for their second instalment. Due to how much I was entitled to, I was left with no money spare. A week or so after quitting, I received letters regarding overpayments made by Student Finance, to me, for that term, that had to be repaid immediately. I tried explaining that I was currently unemployed and receiving benefits, but they said repayments must be started regardless of my financial status.

Due to the health implications resulting in my withdrawal, I was granted early tenancy release from my accommodation tenancy, meaning I was exempt from any further payments to them.

I was just wondering if any such exemptions are available with Student Finance repayments? More specifically, the immediate overpayments. I have doctors letters and other evidence of my ill health which I sent to my accommodation office, so I have proof of my reasons for permanently withdrawing from study.

I have searched and searched the internet for any information on this, but it just does not seem to exist. Any help or information would be greatly appreciated!

SnowL

What information have student loans company given to you? I graduated almost 2 years ago and haven't had to pay a penny back yet because I earn under £25,000. Surely they can check your employment and will know that (I'm assuming) you're still unemployed? What's happened in the meantime, you said you spoke in January, what kind of correspondence have you had since then?

Have you spoken to any one from citizens advice?

It's really unfortunate that youve been treated this way, but I can imagine that the student loans company deal with lots of people who want to get out of repayments without any real reason. I would get back in to contact and send your proof over to them. What have they threatened?

missbiggles1

megancollington wrote: »

I quit university in January of this year due to serious health implications. I had already been paid my second instalment from Student Finance (loan and grant) when I quit, which had immediately been paid to my accommodation office for their second instalment. Due to how much I was entitled to, I was left with no money spare. A week or so after quitting, I received letters regarding overpayments made by Student Finance, to me, for that term, that had to be repaid immediately. I tried explaining that I was currently unemployed and receiving benefits, but they said repayments must be started regardless of my financial status.

Due to the health implications resulting in my withdrawal, I was granted early tenancy release from my accommodation tenancy, meaning I was exempt from any further payments to them.

I was just wondering if any such exemptions are available with Student Finance repayments? More specifically, the immediate overpayments. I have doctors letters and other evidence of my ill health which I sent to my accommodation office, so I have proof of my reasons for permanently withdrawing from study.

I have searched and searched the internet for any information on this, but it just does not seem to exist. Any help or information would be greatly appreciated!

From what you say, the SLC aren't asking you to repay the whole amount straight away but have given you the opportunity to make repayments, presumably in line with your current income.

You really cannot expect to hang on to money given to you to live on while studying once you have left the course, for whatever reason you dropped out but, if the repayments requested are too high, you could ask them to reconsider the terms of repayment.

SuperCat007

I've been trying to remember what SFE call it, but you can keep the money 'overpaid' to you if not keeping it means that you will be in significant financial hardship. I did this and I kept the money. You can also claim the last part of your student loan, again if not having it would result in your own financial hardship. (this only really applies to those living alone, if anyone else is helping you fund yourself in any way from home then you won't qualify)

You may have to do some Googling, because I just can't recall what it was called.

GoldenShadow

I always found some SFE people more helpful than others so don't be afraid to ring back and start again with someone else.

I have no experience I'm afraid, I dropped out but had plans to start elsewhere and they never asked for anything back. The Student Room or similar may have experience.

SuperCat007

megancollington wrote: »

I quit university in January of this year due to serious health implications. I had already been paid my second instalment from Student Finance (loan and grant) when I quit, which had immediately been paid to my accommodation office for their second instalment. Due to how much I was entitled to, I was left with no money spare. A week or so after quitting, I received letters regarding overpayments made by Student Finance, to me, for that term, that had to be repaid immediately. I tried explaining that I was currently unemployed and receiving benefits, but they said repayments must be started regardless of my financial status.

Due to the health implications resulting in my withdrawal, I was granted early tenancy release from my accommodation tenancy, meaning I was exempt from any further payments to them.

I was just wondering if any such exemptions are available with Student Finance repayments? More specifically, the immediate overpayments. I have doctors letters and other evidence of my ill health which I sent to my accommodation office, so I have proof of my reasons for permanently withdrawing from study.

I have searched and searched the internet for any information on this, but it just does not seem to exist. Any help or information would be greatly appreciated!

COMPELLING PERSONAL REASONS! I've just had a flash of inspiration (or memory or whatever) and remembered what it's called! You need to write to SLC with your medical evidence applying for compelling personal reasons detailing why you dropped out and why your current financial situation means you need to keep the money paid to you.