Advice on maintainance loan

Jaynex4MacD

Hi im 36, mother of 4 (all under 11). I live with my partner of 19yr. He earned £34g before tax last yr.

Im about to start a found degree in sept. I applied for fees and maint-loan.

Partner did all that was requested online by SFEngland. I received an email today to say i will be getting £3821 (in 3 sep payments). Its a little bit less than i hoped but im confused by a paragraph below that reads,
"To make sure you get some student finance in time for starting your course — we've automatically assessed you for finance that doesn't depend on your household income.

Keep track of your application by checking your account.

We'll contact you by post once your application has been approved.

I am bit confused. I was hoping to use some of it towards nursery fees but its not as high as id hoped. Can anyone advise what the paragraph means and is there any other way i can ask for help for childcare.

Thank you

Jayne

Jaynex4MacD

Also i need to add a friend of mine who lives with parents who both work and earn over £40g, was also offered £3821. It looks like my offer is the lowest figure.

CharlieRabbit01

most students will receive the minimum amount £3821, to receive more than this you will have to be means-assessed - which means they will look at the previous years tax return for your household and calculate how much you are eligible for.

if you have already sent them the financial information for your household, they will make a full assessment in due course.

They receive loads of applications at this time of year so it looks like they are giving you the minimum to start with and will update you when they have carried out the full assessment.

If you have children have you also applied for the dependents grant?

Jaynex4MacD

Thank you so much, that makes more sense now. It turns out my partner couldnt link with my acc online and the option for salary didnt come up. They are sending the paperwork out so i can send his p60.

The childcare grant iv applied for but dont think i qualify as we get tax credits. But its cool im very greatful for whatever help they offer il just jiggle things around a bit. Its a great thing that they have financial support for students. Its all very new to me.

I think i just want it all to go smooth im getting all worried.

Jayne )

CharlieRabbit01

That should be a PFF2 form its about 19 pages!

If your household income has changed significantly from 14/15 to 16/17 you could also submit a CYI form (current year income) to get an assessment based on what your current household income is worth.

Your university should also have a student finance adviser (they go by different names at each uni) who will be able to give you advice and help liase with SFE, they may also have a hardship fund that you could apply to.

Jaynex4MacD

19 pages? Eeeeks ���� well il get that filled in soon as it arrives. Had nooooo idea it would be soooooooooooo much paperwork.

His income has been about the same 29-33g every yr. its a struggle in one salary but in a few yrs il finally be earning again. But its good that a bit of help is on the way.