Student Advice Service – Money Matters

News from the Student Advice Service at the University of Brighton

Student Advisers can help prospective students with no parental support apply for their funding

If you’re thinking about coming to uni in September, now is the time to apply for your funding.

We want to make sure that your loan is agreed and in place at the start of term and for most students this process runs smoothly without any hitches. However, for some students from non traditional backgrounds, such as young adults who have no parental contact, the application process can be rather challenging.

When you start the application process online on the Gov.uk website you are invited to apply for a Tuition Fee Loan and Maintenance Loan. The Maintenance Loan is the money you receive at the start of each term which you need it pay your rent and bills. How much students receive is typically is based on their parent/s income but if you don’t have any contact with either of your natural or adoptive parents, you can apply as a care leaver if you have spent at least 3 months in the care of a local authority since your 16th birthday, or as an ‘Estranged’ student if your family split has been less formal. This means you should be able to get the full amount of Maintenance Loan.

You will need to show evidence to Student Finance that you have no contact with either of  your parents, as they want to make sure they only give this support to students who are genuinely estranged or care leavers. We advise you to provide as many statements as you can to explain the situation with your parent/s, but make sure at least one of the statements is from an independent person with good standing in the community who has known you for a substantial period of time and is not a relative or family friend.  If you have been in care, then it should be possible to get a statement from the local authority, social worker of foyer. If you are estranged, you could ask a teacher from your old school or college who knew about your family issues, or perhaps your doctor, if they were aware of problems with your parents. Make sure that your statements from independent people are on headed paper where possible, and that your statement includes a telephone number so the person can be contacted.

If you feel comfortable enough, you could explain your family situation in your own words and make a timeline of key events. This will give Student Finance the full picture and you can highlight the right supporting statements for these circumstances.

This may seem daunting, but Student Finance have a dedicated estrangement team who are really helpful and non judgemental. They can review your evidence and make suggestions about how you could strengthen your proof if needed. If you have any concerns about getting any evidence safely, please contact the Student Advice Service at Brighton as we can liaise with Student Finance with your consent.

There is really helpful advice on how to go about proving your family issues to Student Finance, from the charity StandAlone. This organisation supports care leavers and estranged students in higher education and have really useful guides online and their Chief Executive and founder, Dr Becca Bland, is not only a member of the University of Brighton alumni but was also awarded an honorary doctorate by our Vice Chancellor last year.

The University of Brighton supports care leavers and estranged students in many different ways, including offering a guaranteed place in a university managed home in your first year and possibly beyond if you need this, as well as emotional, financial and careers help.

We know that these are very challenging times for everyone, but let us reassure you that we are really happy to answer any questions you may have. All you need to do is  email us so we can begin the conversation about how to get you the funding you need to start the next exciting phase of your life – as a student at the University of Brighton.

Warm wishes

Student Advice Service

 

care leaverestranged

Helen Abrahams • May 18, 2020


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