Student Finance: So Confused!

wannabestudent

Thank you my love That's refreshing to know!

I was dreading posting because I thought that people would think I was trying to be moneygrabbing - I swear I'm not, I just want the best opportunities to support my family and path a way for myself

pulliptears

wannabestudent wrote: »

Thank you my love That's refreshing to know!

I was dreading posting because I thought that people would think I was trying to be moneygrabbing - I swear I'm not, I just want the best opportunities to support my family and path a way for myself

No no, claim all you are entitled to, bursaries as well! Im 34, started back at Uni in September after a year at college doing A Levels. First year at college was a nightmare as I had no financial help whatsoever as OH was working. With 2 kids to support as well it was a difficult 12 months.

To get my loan was a breath of fresh air, I didn't have to justify to OH why I needed money for more card, pens etc Apply for everything and they can only say no.

If you havent sent them yet, like I say have a look where they are going back to and take a trip up there, taking with you all your certificates, proof of incomes etc. They will usually sit down with you and go through it making sure everything is correct. It saves a lot of time sending forms back and forwards if you have missed anything.

and welcome back to education!! Be proud of yourself

wannabestudent

Thank you again, fingers crossed they accept me!

I wouldn't be able to return if it wasn't for the financial help from them...!

mummytofour

Sorry I have not read the whole thread but if your an independent student on IS you can get the special support grant also, well Im pretty sure you can.

MoneySavingStudent_2

Hey!
I think theres something wrong with the finance website with the submitting evidence bit. For some reason its letting some people do it and not others!
Im having problems with it too, we cant submit evidence so ill have to do the paper work again.. just like when it wouldnt work last year! lol

randomtho

I just wanted to comment about the bit about getting income support and being a student. I have just been through this and what has happened is that I get paid too much per week on student loan (more than IS would pay) despite the fact most of it goes on rent. I'm now left with £20 - £30 a week to live on including books etc. so go for as much loan as you are entitled because I do not believe IS will be much help. Plus if you are entitled to a loan and don't take it out you still are not supposed to be on IS. I know how they work out IS and student loan so if you wanted I could let you know.

Another note, I am on the old system so I cannot get grants etc that would be in place to help people in your situation.

wannabestudent

Thanks very much guys

I think I might ask what info they need like pulliptears said and then ask them to cancel - if possible - that application and go through one properly at the office if they'd let me.

I'm still confused about the IS side but I guess it'll all sort itself out - I have to get on the course first!

roxalana

wannabestudent wrote: »

As an afterthought, I've done some reading and found out about the Adult Dependant Grant.

Now, I live with my widowed mother who is a carer for my grandfather and she recieves carers allowance and a pension from my fathers employers. Grandad doesn't live with us but we do both do everything we can for him and look after him.

Mum and I pool what we have and we support each other and live by our means (she gets approx £100 a week, I get approx £45 a week until June when it's due to go up to £75 a week). This will continue when/if I am accepted onto the course and recieve the grants (though obviously I have no idea where it leaves me benefit wise as I don't think I'd continue to recieve anything - though can't work because of my health/being signed off until at least Feb*) so would we qualify?
* Does anyone have any ideas on how that would work out?

Unfortunately, I don't think you will qualify for adult dependant grant. I'm not aware of anyone being able to claim for a parent - it is normally people who are a couple.

I believe the reasoning is that couples are deemed financially dependent on each other (as long as you are over 25 from a student finance point of view), but although a child can be financially dependent on a parent, it can't go the other way around for student finance.

roxalana

wannabestudent wrote: »

Thanks very much guys

I think I might ask what info they need like pulliptears said and then ask them to cancel - if possible - that application and go through one properly at the office if they'd let me.

I'm still confused about the IS side but I guess it'll all sort itself out - I have to get on the course first!

You don't have to cancel the online application ('cancelling' means you don't want to be assessed anymore). You can go into the office and hand in extra info or fill out a paper version of the form to update the information on your online application.