Student Finance 08/09

Lokolo

You can now apply online. Get the stuff down soon as you are more likely to get it over and done with and get your money on time!!!

https://www.studentfinancedirect.co.uk

BruceyBonus

The form seemed a lot quicker and easier than people make out. All I'm waiting for now is my parents to receive their March payslip

Helix

It is online as it removes questions based on your answers and you can click the question marks for help. The paper based forms you have to go through the whole thing and then keep referring to the additional documentation.

roxalana

The online system should be easier BUT last year had a lot of problems, so be wary. Also if you have a complicated case, personally I'd recommend applying on paper - because the online system removes bits it thinks don't apply, if you tick the wrong box your LEA will have to write to you for more info which can cause delays. Plus when I was assessing, if people weren't sure when they applied on paper they tended to write me little notes of explanation which often meant I could work it out without asking for anything else meaning people got their money faster (but I can't speak for every assessor!).

mummytofour

roxalana wrote: »

The online system should be easier BUT last year had a lot of problems, so be wary. Also if you have a complicated case, personally I'd recommend applying on paper - because the online system removes bits it thinks don't apply, if you tick the wrong box your LEA will have to write to you for more info which can cause delays. Plus when I was assessing, if people weren't sure when they applied on paper they tended to write me little notes of explanation which often meant I could work it out without asking for anything else meaning people got their money faster (but I can't speak for every assessor!).

]

I have a VERY complicated case so I am greatful for that thanks.

MrsManda

I've filled it in and got my confirmation of receipt. I do have a few questions though.
Evidence: it requests my marriage certificate. Do I have to send my original or is it OK to send a certified copy? I called my LEA and spoke to someone who thought a certified copy would be ok but didn't sound sure. Also it asked for evidence of previous martial status. How do I prove I wasn't married before I was? Or do I just ignore it?

My husband is supporting my claim but can't register - when he tried to register on the website to support my application it said he may already be registered (he was a student but didn't apply online - it was in 1997). Does he need to call Student Finance Direct or the LEA?

Thanks for your advice

Lokolo

Mrsmanda wrote: »

I've filled it in and got my confirmation of receipt. I do have a few questions though.
Evidence: it requests my marriage certificate. Do I have to send my original or is it OK to send a certified copy? I called my LEA and spoke to someone who thought a certified copy would be ok but didn't sound sure. Also it asked for evidence of previous martial status. How do I prove I wasn't married before I was? Or do I just ignore it?

My husband is supporting my claim but can't register - when he tried to register on the website to support my application it said he may already be registered (he was a student but didn't apply online - it was in 1997). Does he need to call Student Finance Direct or the LEA?

Thanks for your advice

I would call Student Finance Direct, although it will be painful getting through to them, but keep trying.

Also I would send a photocopy, you never know which post nowadays and it'll be easier sending photocopies than having to get new certificates out and then sending them.

BruceyBonus

Mrsmanda wrote: »

I've filled it in and got my confirmation of receipt. I do have a few questions though.
Evidence: it requests my marriage certificate. Do I have to send my original or is it OK to send a certified copy? I called my LEA and spoke to someone who thought a certified copy would be ok but didn't sound sure. Also it asked for evidence of previous martial status. How do I prove I wasn't married before I was? Or do I just ignore it?

My husband is supporting my claim but can't register - when he tried to register on the website to support my application it said he may already be registered (he was a student but didn't apply online - it was in 1997). Does he need to call Student Finance Direct or the LEA?

Thanks for your advice

If he has an ART ID on any correspondence from SLC or SFD then he should login with that.

System

I remember I had so many problems when I applied, particularly with them losing my birth certificate ... twice (which i mailed in via recorded delivery ... but still managed to get lost).

Gemmzie

Hope a lot of the people who can apply now do. I can't do mine until June at the earliest and it grates on me that it gets held up by people who could have done it earlier but don't bother.

MrsManda

Thanks for your responses. I spoke to my LEA and they told me to ignore the request for previous martial status and that I could send a certified copy of my marriage certificate which I'm going to do today.
My husband called Student Finance Direct this morning and we were really impressed with how efficient they were. He does have a ART ID but he didn't know, it's not on any of his correspondence (he hasn't had student funding since 2002). He answered a few questions, and they provided him with his ART ID and had emailed his password and secret answer to him within five minutes of the phone call.