Student Loans Company - "Household Income"

Jean_Bloggsette

Hi, new here, in some desperation, and would be grateful for a bit of advice:
Student Loan Company gives out loans - why do they assess a student's entitlement on whole-household income as if it were a benefit (such as Tax Credits or similar)?

My partner has not complained before about providing income information to the SLC, even though he has nothing to do with my sons. Now he's about ready to refuse, but as I understand it that could mean refusal by the SLC of even the basic tuition fees to my youngest (older one is already through the system and paying off his loan).

Does anyone know whether the government/the SLC has provided any justification or legal underpinning for this whole-household scenario? It seems so wrong that my partner and I can be treated by all of 'The System' as de-facto two unconnected individuals (tax, separation, death/inheritance etc etc) with none of the protection or benefits of being married - yet for these student loans, my partner has to allow himself to be treated as 'provider' of children that are not his. While the dad is not treated as in any way implicated.

Does anyone know of any way around this whole-household-income issue? Has there ever been a legal case where this has been tested? How could I find out more?

In this instance the question has been triggered by the fact that my partner is earning very little but as self-employed did a little better, on paper, for the time period that counts for this round of loan applications - which means my son would not be able to get his full complement, I am expected to stump up the shortfall (which I don't have) - and my son can't apply for any extra funding for children from ultra-low-income households, as he would otherwise be able to.

I'm guessing that ours is a not-so-uncommon scenario, but I haven't been able to find out anything much in online searches (maybe just poor googling skills?). Any help, advice and further pointers would be gratefully received.

Thanks,
Jean

[Deleted User]

Hi,

There is no way around it as this is a decision made by Department of Business Innovation & Skill so is made essentially by the Government.

If its a 16/17 application you need to provide the income for 14/15 tax year but if this has reduced since then by 15% or more you can fill in a current tax year income form to be reassessed.

Dxxx

Jean_Bloggsette

If its a 16/17 application you need to provide the income for 14/15 tax year but if this has reduced since then by 15% or more you can fill in a current tax year income form to be reassessed.

Thank you, that is helpful to know. Note that the SLC did not tell us that - my son and I spoke to them on different occasions, in search of a solution to this issue.

It feels unreasonable for the government to treat cohabiting partners either as 'singles' or as 'a couple' depending on which is to the government's financial advantage in a given context.
And it seems illogical for the government to treat a student loan like a benefit to the parental household.
I find it surprising that millions of us seem to accept this without question.
Thanks,
Jean