Student Loan when Travelling

clccw

Hi,

I've been unemployed and travelling since November 2016. I have informed Student Loans that I'm not receiving any income and provided the evidence they asked for (I actually sent them all my bank statements since leaving my job as well as the most recent ones). Unfortunately, they said this was not adequate and they did not believe that I'm travelling on the savings that I have (Believe it or not but I am!). They are now sending my mother (who I lived with) threatening bailiff letters which is really distressing for her since I'm hundreds of miles away!

Ive spoken with my friends who have been travelling and they told me that Student Loans said a bank statement was fine and left them alone. I really don't know what else I can do and what other evidence I can provide?? Any help would be really appreciated!

Charlie

Voyager2002

I suggest that you make contact with the Student Loans Company and find out what evidence they expect you to provide.

clccw

Thank you but ofcourse I've contacted them.. several times via telephone, email and letters actually. I've sent them my bank statements (again numerous times) and apparently, that isn't enough. I've spoken to so many people who went travelling with less money than I did, and SLC said their bank statements were fine and left them alone. Even after all this, they are still harassing me and threatening bailiffs at my mother's house - I'd like to know what my legal rights are because surely this isn't acceptable when I've given them the correct evidence so many times?

agrinnall

It seems like you've done the first part of what Voyager asked about but failed to do the second, so I'll rephrase it slightly:

What evidence did SLC tell you that they would accept?

sheramber

they did not believe that I'm travelling on the savings that I have

That sounds like they do think the savings you have in the bank and your withdrawals are not enough to live off.

What are they sending letters to your mother for or are they for you at your mother's address?

clccw

I have asked them what evidence would suffice and they have only said bank statements. I don't really understand why they think my savings aren't enough and how I can prove to them otherwise?
I lived at my mothers and she has authority to speak to SLC on my behalf while I'm away as international calls are extremely expensive. Thanks for the replies!

Chippy

Okay, I am one of those mothers in a similar situation. My daughter has lived in Australia for past 6 years and has been paying her loan by direct debit throughout this time.

Last summer she had to leave her job and come home for a while and this is when the fun began!

When she subsequently returned to Australia, without a job to go to, I started getting the letters for her at my address (despite her passing on her address numerous times) and as requested sent off her bank statements. This was exactly as I had done when she first went travelling.

However, I think they have tightened up on the evidence required but they are absolutely hopeless at explaining this. I did eventually work out that they need a recent bank statement which covers a period of over 1 month and which shows regular withdrawals and /or debit card payments. If anyone is adding money to your account then they need to provide a letter explaining they are helping to support your travels.

I really hope this helps and your mother has my sympathy.

Enjoy your travels!:)