Open University, Student Loan, Pension and Work Income

The_Force

Hi, I'm looking to fund Open University study with a student loan. My situation is that I am 58, in receipt of an occupational pension and have income from employment, my wife also has a job.
So both during my course and after I will have a total income over the earnings threshold for repayment of the loan. My questions are:
1. I believe that pension income is counted as household income for calculating how much student loan I can receive, yet I have heard that when I start to repay it will be based on my work earnings on which I pay National Insurance? If repayments are calculated on all my income (pension and work) then I will be over the threshold and will have to start paying back the loan. If repayments are based on work income only then I will be under the threshold and no payments will be due. So will I pay anything back, and if so for how long?
2. If pension and work income are used to work out my repayments, and that puts me over the threshold, will I start repaying immediately as I will be in employment and over the threshold while studying?
3.Can I take a student loan and maintenance loan in this situation?
Hope that makes sense(!), grateful for your thoughts.

Wicked_Lady

This gives you lots of info. You will have to check if you're eligible for a Maintenance Loan but a Tuition Fee Loan should be ok.
https://media.slc.co.uk/sfe/2021/ft/sfe_how_you_are_assessed_and_paid_guide_2021_o.pdf

zagubov

Doing an OU course is a really good choice to do in your retirement, especially in these unusual times.
If you get offered the option to mix subjects from different academic areas and don't be afraid to do this if it appeals to you.