Student finance basing my loan off of my parents income but I don't live with them

Hello!

I'm wondering if I could get some advice on my student finance application.

On the application it says that if I'm in contact with my parents (which I am and get financial help from them: £100 fa month from my mother) however, my parents household income is above £40,000 per year. The problem is, is that I don't actually live with my parents and they cannot afford to give me extra financial help throughout the academic year.

I actually live with my grandparents who have a household income of £23,000 per year. There is quite a big difference between the household incomes but the application said I needed to put my mum and her partner as the household which they judge my income off of.

I'm just concerned as I don't think I'll get the help I need next year if they base it off of my mums household income when I don't even live in that household.

I'm frantically worrying about it and wondered if you could offer any advice.

I've already rung up student finance but the lady on the phone said all I can do is wait but didn't give me any other advice... is that the only thing I can do? I'm worried that I won't get enough money to live on next year.

Thank you

The Government guidance says:
"Your household income is made up of your income plus that of the people who live with you"
https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-student-finance/household-income

Do your grandparents have formal guardianship of you? Do they receive your child benefit or child tax credits or similar for looking after you? Is there anything in your school records confirming them as the main point of contact?

If you can prove that your household is your grandparents then that is the income that will be assessed but you need some form of evidence.

Yes they do receive my child benefits etc. My college details are all at my grandparents (my home) address.

Will I be able to appeal if student finance assess my parents income instead?