3rd Year Maintenance Loan

Hello! I’m very confused with applying for my loan this year. I had a gap year after my 2 study years and now that I want to apply for Tuition and Maintenance, I’m not able to do so. I only have the option to apply for Tuition Loan as a pre-settled status student however I had no issues in the past. Is this normal or am I doing something wrong? I started my full settlement application but I fear it will take too long and the finance deadline is coming up. I’ve been on the phone to SF but they said because I don’t fall into 2 categories, I can’t apply?!

Ah I see, I don’t remember the way the previous years worked exactly but I just know I never had this issue till now. I have applied for a settlement status and im currently sending back proof of address in the past few years. I’m not sure if I can get it before the late deadline for SFE though. What would you recommend? Thankyou so much for the reply also I really appreciate the clarification!