[shampoo1]

Oh. My. GOD.
Someone please help me!!!

From the beginning ...
I phoned the NHS Bursary call-centre who confirmed 100% that we are all entitled to bursary's and the maintenance loan (I think its 2124 pounds or something like that) as long as we are UK Nationals or lived in the UK for more than 3 years out of study etc etc.
Anyway the lady on the phone advised I apply ASAP for my maintenance loan, and I have spent all weekend filling it in, checking it etc.

At this point I will add, I already obtained a degree in 2008 for English Literature, (But I never applied for, or received any funding what so ever!!!) and the form requested I supply information in regards to my previous loan/funding.
Not ONCE however did it ask 'Were you funded for this degree'.
Anyway I finished my application form for the maintenance loan and lo and behold it tells me I can apply for ZERO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !

Have been on the phone to Student Finance quite a lot before attempting to complete this form and I can assure you they are useless, ignorant, laugh to their colleagues whilst I'm talking, yawn, and have supplied me with incorrect information! I really do not fancy ringing them only to be told crap again!

Can anyone advise me of what Im doing wrong?
Getting panicked for time with this form now as I still have to post my passport to SF seeing as I am from the Republic of Ireland (living in England since 2005, supported myself financially out of study since 2008)

ANY HELP would be appreciated,
Thanks

[PhoenixFortune]

(Original post by shampoo1)
Oh. My. GOD.
Someone please help me!!!

From the beginning ...
I phoned the NHS Bursary call-centre who confirmed 100% that we are all entitled to bursary's and the maintenance loan (I think its 2124 pounds or something like that) as long as we are UK Nationals or lived in the UK for more than 3 years out of study etc etc.
Anyway the lady on the phone advised I apply ASAP for my maintenance loan, and I have spent all weekend filling it in, checking it etc.

At this point I will add, I already obtained a degree in 2008 for English Literature, (But I never applied for, or received any funding what so ever!!!) and the form requested I supply information in regards to my previous loan/funding.
Not ONCE however did it ask 'Were you funded for this degree'.
Anyway I finished my application form for the maintenance loan and lo and behold it tells me I can apply for ZERO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !

Have been on the phone to Student Finance quite a lot before attempting to complete this form and I can assure you they are useless, ignorant, laugh to their colleagues whilst I'm talking, yawn, and have supplied me with incorrect information! I really do not fancy ringing them only to be told crap again!

Can anyone advise me of what Im doing wrong?
Getting panicked for time with this form now as I still have to post my passport to SF seeing as I am from the Republic of Ireland (living in England since 2005, supported myself financially out of study since 2008)

ANY HELP would be appreciated,
Thanks

Try not to panic. I know it's very frustrating when people tell you nothing/different things, but if you get annoyed it makes everything harder to deal with!

Unfortunately, because you have studied on a previous HE course, regardless of whether it was self-funded or funded by Student Finance, you won't be entitled to a maintenance loan from Student Finance. They expect you to take the funding the first time round, and if you don't, it is discontinued so to speak. You may be able to apply for funding once you are on the course (some people on my course who already have a previous degree have managed to get a student loan, but only after being on the course for one year), but until then, it will just be the NHS bursary and £1000 NHS grant you will be receiving.

I hope that helps.

[Pkysam]

(Original post by shampoo1)

Can anyone advise me of what Im doing wrong?

ANY HELP would be appreciated,
Thanks

(Original post by PhoenixFortune)
Try not to panic. I know it's very frustrating when people tell you nothing/different things.

There is some very confusing information out there about this, and so I'm about to say something a bit different from the previous poster! Sorry!! A number of people will tell you that NHS funded students (i.e. Nursing, Midwifery) are exempt from the rules about 2nd degrees. The relevant extract from the regulations is here

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2011/1986/made
Qualifying conditions for the loan for living costs – current system students

69.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (3) and (4), a current system student qualifies for a loan for living costs in connection with the student’s attendance on a designated course if the student is under the age of 60 on the relevant date and—

(a)where the student begins the course on or after 1st September 2009, the designated course does not lead to an equivalent or lower qualification unless the student’s status as an eligible student has been transferred to the current course pursuant to regulation 8 from a designated course which began before 1st September 2009 and the student does not have an honours degree from an institution in the United Kingdom; or

(b)where the student began the course before 1st September 2009, the student does not have an honours degree from an institution in the United Kingdom.

(2) The condition in paragraph (1)(a) or (b) does not apply where—

(a)the designated course leads to qualification as a social worker, medical doctor, dentist, veterinary surgeon or architect;

(b)the designated course began before 1st September 2009 and leads to qualification as a landscape architect, landscape designer, landscape manager, town planner or town and country planner;

(c)the current system student is eligible to apply for a healthcare bursary or a Scottish healthcare allowance, the amount of which is calculated by reference to that student’s income whether or not the calculation results in a nil amount in respect of any academic year of the course; or

(d)the current system student is on a course for the initial training of teachers."


If I were you, I'd apply for the maintenance loan making sure you have indicated that you are entitled to an NHS bursary in the application (I'm sure it asks you this). Ignore the fact it says £0 and apply anyway. The computer system is not great, and often tells you that you have a £0 entitlement even when that isn't correct. Wait for a proper human assessor to look at your application and try not to panic.

[shampoo1]

(Original post by PhoenixFortune)
Try not to panic. I know it's very frustrating when people tell you nothing/different things, but if you get annoyed it makes everything harder to deal with!

Unfortunately, because you have studied on a previous HE course, regardless of whether it was self-funded or funded by Student Finance, you won't be entitled to a maintenance loan from Student Finance. They expect you to take the funding the first time round, and if you don't, it is discontinued so to speak. You may be able to apply for funding once you are on the course (some people on my course who already have a previous degree have managed to get a student loan, but only after being on the course for one year), but until then, it will just be the NHS bursary and £1000 NHS grant you will be receiving.

I hope that helps.

(Original post by Pkysam)
There is some very confusing information out there about this, and so I'm about to say something a bit different from the previous poster! Sorry!! A number of people will tell you that NHS funded students (i.e. Nursing, Midwifery) are exempt from the rules about 2nd degrees. The relevant extract from the regulations is here

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2011/1986/made
Qualifying conditions for the loan for living costs – current system students

69.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (3) and (4), a current system student qualifies for a loan for living costs in connection with the student’s attendance on a designated course if the student is under the age of 60 on the relevant date and—

(a)where the student begins the course on or after 1st September 2009, the designated course does not lead to an equivalent or lower qualification unless the student’s status as an eligible student has been transferred to the current course pursuant to regulation 8 from a designated course which began before 1st September 2009 and the student does not have an honours degree from an institution in the United Kingdom; or

(b)where the student began the course before 1st September 2009, the student does not have an honours degree from an institution in the United Kingdom.

(2) The condition in paragraph (1)(a) or (b) does not apply where—

(a)the designated course leads to qualification as a social worker, medical doctor, dentist, veterinary surgeon or architect;

(b)the designated course began before 1st September 2009 and leads to qualification as a landscape architect, landscape designer, landscape manager, town planner or town and country planner;

(c)the current system student is eligible to apply for a healthcare bursary or a Scottish healthcare allowance, the amount of which is calculated by reference to that student’s income whether or not the calculation results in a nil amount in respect of any academic year of the course; or

(d)the current system student is on a course for the initial training of teachers."


If I were you, I'd apply for the maintenance loan making sure you have indicated that you are entitled to an NHS bursary in the application (I'm sure it asks you this). Ignore the fact it says £0 and apply anyway. The computer system is not great, and often tells you that you have a £0 entitlement even when that isn't correct. Wait for a proper human assessor to look at your application and try not to panic.

Thanks both of yous for taking the time time to read and reply to my thread !
Oh I thought I was gong to lay down and cry lastnight hahahaha !
Much as I do not WANT to, I will ring those SF people later, ugghhhhh !! And I will update yous with what they say Thanks again so much, love how they both contradict haha! THIS IS SO HARD xxx

[Pkysam]

(Original post by shampoo1)
Thanks both of yous for taking the time time to read and reply to my thread !
Oh I thought I was gong to lay down and cry lastnight hahahaha !
Much as I do not WANT to, I will ring those SF people later, ugghhhhh !! And I will update yous with what they say Thanks again so much, love how they both contradict haha! THIS IS SO HARD xxx

It is possible phoning back still won't get you anywhere.. the people you talk to are call centre staff and I wonder how far quoting regulations at them will get you. Once you apply (which you can do even if the calculator says £0) your application will get looked at by an assessor who will have a clearer idea of the rules than those who staff the call centre. If you still get a rejection, you can appeal (and this is sometimes necessary) and at that point I would suggest you quote those regulations and state why you think you are entitled to a loan (although I think you only get 50% of the non means tested part which is meant to top up your NHS bursary).

[shampoo1]

(Original post by Pkysam)
It is possible phoning back still won't get you anywhere.. the people you talk to are call centre staff and I wonder how far quoting regulations at them will get you. Once you apply (which you can do even if the calculator says £0) your application will get looked at by an assessor who will have a clearer idea of the rules than those who staff the call centre. If you still get a rejection, you can appeal (and this is sometimes necessary) and at that point I would suggest you quote those regulations and state why you think you are entitled to a loan (although I think you only get 50% of the non means tested part which is meant to top up your NHS bursary).

I'll take whateverrrrrrr I can get!!!
This year is going to be a massive struggle anyway so whatever loans/grants etc I can get I will happily take!!!! aahhhh
I think you're right about the call centre bit so I'm just going to apply like you said, feck it xxxx

[kka25]

(Original post by Pkysam)
It is possible phoning back still won't get you anywhere.. the people you talk to are call centre staff and I wonder how far quoting regulations at them will get you.

This. I'm always weary of these people really =/

[HollyBear]

(Original post by shampoo1)
I'll take whateverrrrrrr I can get!!!
This year is going to be a massive struggle anyway so whatever loans/grants etc I can get I will happily take!!!! aahhhh
I think you're right about the call centre bit so I'm just going to apply like you said, feck it xxxx

Yea I have done previous degree which was funded from sfe... I was told because course is nhs funded we can apply for a reduced maintenance loan for full duration of course (from sfe) which is 2324 out of London and 3263 in London ..... Don't quote me on figures, like u I seem to get told different things every time I ring but !!!! Always entitled to this reduced maintenance loan from sfe !!!

[shampoo1]

(Original post by HollyBear)
Yea I have done previous degree which was funded from sfe... I was told because course is nhs funded we can apply for a reduced maintenance loan for full duration of course (from sfe) which is 2324 out of London and 3263 in London ..... Don't quote me on figures, like u I seem to get told different things every time I ring but !!!! Always entitled to this reduced maintenance loan from sfe !!!

Oh its just so annoying isnt it !!
I'm going to ring them tomorrow morning and if they continue to confuse me or try fob me off then I'm going to put my dad on!!!! hahahaha embarrassing but true, this is hard ! xxx

[shampoo1]

Ok so I rang, and it wasn't good news as expected!!
The girl advised that because I already have a degree, even though it wasn't funded, its still counted as a previous degree so that meant I wouldn't get any funding!

She goes 'I had a girl on this morning aswell with a degree doing nursing this year and we had it investigated and you definitely wont get SF support. You'll get your bursary but no SF.'

That's a joke. So for being educated you get penalized? Hate the system.

[cherokeebee]

(Original post by shampoo1)
Ok so I rang, and it wasn't good news as expected!!
The girl advised that because I already have a degree, even though it wasn't funded, its still counted as a previous degree so that meant I wouldn't get any funding!

She goes 'I had a girl on this morning aswell with a degree doing nursing this year and we had it investigated and you definitely wont get SF support. You'll get your bursary but no SF.'

That's a joke. So for being educated you get penalized? Hate the system.

Ok, so I don't know if you're eligible for a MEANS-TESTED bursary... but I downloaded the 2012/2013 rules from direct.gov.uk (http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum.../dg_201332.pdf) and it said this:

ELQ
4 Exception Courses
Students who start their course from September 2009 onwards who already hold an equivalent or higher level qualification will only be eligible for Maintenance Loan if their new course leads to a qualification as a:
• Medical Doctor,
• Dentist,
• Veterinary Surgeon,
• Architect,
• Social Worker,
• Or if the course attracts a means tested Healthcare Bursary (NHS course)
If your course doesn’t attract a means tested NHS bursary then you are also entitled to apply for DSAs, Parent’s Learning Allowance, Adult Dependents Grant and Childcare Grant.

Which, I note, has been mentioned previously by Pkysam - so, if you're eligible, apply and if they still say 'no', appeal.

[shampoo1]

(Original post by cherokeebee)
Ok, so I don't know if you're eligible for a MEANS-TESTED bursary... but I downloaded the 2012/2013 rules from direct.gov.uk (http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum.../dg_201332.pdf) and it said this:

ELQ
4 Exception Courses
Students who start their course from September 2009 onwards who already hold an equivalent or higher level qualification will only be eligible for Maintenance Loan if their new course leads to a qualification as a:
• Medical Doctor,
• Dentist,
• Veterinary Surgeon,
• Architect,
• Social Worker,
• Or if the course attracts a means tested Healthcare Bursary (NHS course)
If your course doesn’t attract a means tested NHS bursary then you are also entitled to apply for DSAs, Parent’s Learning Allowance, Adult Dependents Grant and Childcare Grant.

Which, I note, has been mentioned previously by Pkysam - so, if you're eligible, apply and if they still say 'no', appeal.

Love u ! Ok ringing back and quoting shizz this time guys!!! haaha xxx

[shampoo1]

OK !!!!!!

SO GOOD NEWS !!!!!!!

Quoted all the above by you wonderful people Pyksam and Cherokeebee and the lady telephoned through to the assessors and they have now said that I should be entitled to the reduced maintenance loan ! PHEWWWW!!
I told her the form says I am entitled to nothing but I'm just gonna submit it as it is!!

Please God this will go through, appeals will be made otherwise
Thanks so much u guys xxxxxxxxx

[shampoo1]

Completing the application for now for SF and in the evidence section it asks:
Select which evidence item you will provide to confirm your NHS Bursary

The two options are:
Result of NHS Bursary application
I cannot provide any of the items in the above list

Obviously no-one yet has any confirmation of our bursary details yet, do we?? Should I click the 'cannot provide' option? Im such a DUNCE when it comes to these forms, sorry !!!! xxx

[Pkysam]

(Original post by shampoo1)
The two options are:
Result of NHS Bursary application
I cannot provide any of the items in the above list

Obviously no-one yet has any confirmation of our bursary details yet, do we?? Should I click the 'cannot provide' option? Im such a DUNCE when it comes to these forms, sorry !!!! xxx

Yep, select "I cannot provide any of the items in the above list" and if there is a box to explain why then you should do this. Have you already applied for your NHS bursary? According to the NHS bursaries website, once you have an offer of a place on a course, you should be sent details of how to apply for a bursary using the online system (see the info here http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/Students/3254.aspx). Once you have applied and have a letter confirming your NHS Bursary you can then submit this to the student loans company. Since it is only the non means tested part of the loan you are getting, it is possible they will accept the letter you received inviting you to apply for the Bursary as sufficient evidence, as the result of the means testing is not relevant in your case. Let us know how you get on.

[Pkysam]

(Original post by shampoo1)
Obviously no-one yet has any confirmation of our bursary details yet, do we?? Should I click the 'cannot provide' option? Im such a DUNCE when it comes to these forms, sorry !!!! xxx

Hmm, just to add... when did you apply and when do you expect to hear back about your bursary? When does your course start? You should complete the student loan application, including stating that you cannot provide evidence yet because you do not hear the results of your bursary until suchandsuch a date (whenever you are expecting to hear) but that as you are only entitled to the non means tested part of the maintenance loan the outcome of your bursary means test assessment is unimportant and you are able to provide evidence of your entitlement to apply for an NHS bursary if this is helpful.

I might then phone the SLC to follow up, and check your application has gone in the queue to be looked at by an assessor. Often an assessor will look at it without asking for evidence, and if the evidence isn't really necessary they will assess you without waiting for it.

[shampoo1]

Just thought I would let you know, I submitted my evidence etc to SF.
Checked it today and they have approved me for the full loan wooooooooooo xxx

[Pkysam]

(Original post by shampoo1)
Just thought I would let you know, I submitted my evidence etc to SF.
Checked it today and they have approved me for the full loan wooooooooooo xxx

Fantastic! Glad you got it all sorted out Good luck with the course!!

[lilibeth]

I was told when it comes to the 'provide evidence' section to just say waiting for evidence of bursary? Have I been told something wrong? I submitted my application a few weeks ago.

[Pkysam]

(Original post by lilibeth)
I was told when it comes to the 'provide evidence' section to just say waiting for evidence of bursary? Have I been told something wrong? I submitted my application a few weeks ago.

Don't panic! I'm sure it's fine, but I might just ring and check your application has been put in the queue to go to an assessor and isn't just sitting there waiting for evidence that you probably don't need. My understanding is, you don't need to have an NHS bursary to qualify, just be on a course that qualifies you to apply for one. Since that is easy to prove, you should be able to provide any evidence they need without waiting for your bursary to come through. Once a human being looks at your application it should, 9 times out of 10, be quickly approved. I'd just call them and check someone is looking at it, but don't worry too much as long as your application has been submitted.