Positive thought for me please!!

[gwenifer]

I have had a letter from the Local Education Authority Thursday of this week telling me there has been a mistake made and all my funding for Uni is being withdrawn!!! They say I don't qualify for anything except a £500 loan which they are generously offering me! Not only that but I got another letter today (Saturday) telling me that I was not entitled to the studen loan I had last year 2003/4, and when they had worked out what I am entitled to this year 2004/5, they will be asking for it all of last years loan to be repaid immediately! That will be interesting as I'm long term sick and on a limited income!!
Well, there's my dream come crashing down! Unless I can get £585 for my course fees for this year I won't be able to complete the course and I have already done 50% of it! Sorry it's such a long post but I am alternating between fuming and being very depressed and can't think straight!!!

[Charlotte]

not entitled to your student loan which they already gave you? why the little

positive thoughts coming your way

[bloodstone]

Hi.

I dont post here often.

If the student loan company have made a mistake, then thats there fault. I cant see why you should have to pay it back. I'm not sure that they can make you. It was there mistake.

I'd certainly look into this more if I was you. It doesn't sound right to me!!

BB

[jezreell]

gwenifer said:

I have had a letter from the Local Education Authority Thursday of this week telling me there has been a mistake made and all my funding for Uni is being withdrawn!!! They say I don't qualify for anything except a £500 loan which they are generously offering me! Not only that but I got another letter today (Saturday) telling me that I was not entitled to the studen loan I had last year 2003/4, and when they had worked out what I am entitled to this year 2004/5, they will be asking for it all of last years loan to be repaid immediately! That will be interesting as I'm long term sick and on a limited income!!

Right - first thing in the morning, get on to your local Citizens' Advice Bureau and sort out an appointment with one of their advisers. Take all your documentation - including stuff you don't think is relevant - with you. get some advice.

Then when you know where you actually stand, sort out what you can do about the alleged debt and repayment.

But don't just believe everything they say first time. They have admitted to a mistake last time, make sure they haven't made another one now.

If the worst happens and you are in danger of losing college place and/or money, then get on to your local paper, radio station, student union, MP... get the picture?

[ursidae]

OK first up, unfortunately if you were paid in error you will need top ay it back. The form includes a disclaimer that state syou agree to return any overpayments.

Next up, they will send you one single large invoice. Don't panic over this - its normal procedure. Legally there is a limit to how much of your income can be taken to repay a debt - not sure what it is off the top of my head. When you get this bill, contact them and request to pay it back it installments. These installments have to be reasonable and take into account your income and living expenses.

Also there are charities around that can help with funding, and most uni's have a discretionary fund they make financial awards from to help out.

I hope every gets sorted so you can finish your course with as little hassle as possible.

[Rhiannon]

Hey Gwen

How is it going - please keep us up to date if you can. I'm sorry I can't do anything other than offer support at this point. The legalities of the situation are something I know nothing about, but the above advice all looks good.

blessings
Rhiannon

[gwenifer]

Thanks Guys!! I went in to the ARC at the University and they helped me to draft a letter to the LEA. I had already called the Student Loan co. and they said they would get on to the Local Ed. Authority. I realise that I will haveto pay the loan back and the SLC explained that they will send me deatails of that at the end of my course. If I am still not working then normal rules will apply. (When I am earning £14,000 they will arrange for me to pay it back) The LEA say that I was not entitled to the fee waiver I had and that I should have gone through the Uni to get one, they have however, admitted it was their mistake and although it is public money, there is every chance I won't have to pay it back.
Someone from the LEA phoned me and told me that I will qualify for the fee waiver this year 2004/5 and I will get a grant of £250 towards books and transport so, breathe sigh of relief and thank you for all your advice and efforts!!!