Maintenance loan after Leave of Absence from PGCE?

Original post by sstanescu

Hello,
I took a Leave of Absence this February due to illness and promptly took a break from my PGCE. I did receive the second instalment of maintenance loan but that was spent on rent and bills whilst I was looking for a job (I decided to keep working in schools as a TA under an agency with the full intention of coming back in January 2025, though this proved to be very precarious work). I am wondering if I can receive a re-do of the second instalment in January as I will not be able to work more than one day a week as my course is full-time and especially since I took a break for health reasons (I could provide a medical note for this too).
Anyone from SFE who could let me know?
Thank you.
Best wishes,
A

Hi there,

Just to confirm, are you returning to the course this January, in 2025?

Thanks, Graeme

Reply 2

Original post by Graeme SFE

Hi there,
Just to confirm, are you returning to the course this January, in 2025?
Thanks, Graeme

Hi Graeme,

Yes, I am returning in January 2025.

Thank you

A

Reply 3

Original post by sstanescu

Hi Graeme,
Yes, I am returning in January 2025.
Thank you
A

Okay, thanks - when you login is your application showing as 'suspended' right now?

Thanks, Graeme

Reply 4

Original post by Graeme SFE

Okay, thanks - when you login is your application showing as 'suspended' right now?
Thanks, Graeme

Hi Graeme,

Yes, it is still saying suspended. I think my university haven't reached out to them yet.

Thanks
A

Reply 5

Original post by sstanescu

Hi Graeme,
Yes, it is still saying suspended. I think my university haven't reached out to them yet.
Thanks
A

Thanks, last of all, when did your course initially begin? Was it September 2023?

Thanks, Graeme

Reply 6

Original post by Graeme SFE

Thanks, last of all, when did your course initially begin? Was it September 2023?
Thanks, Graeme

Hi Graeme,

It was September 2023, yes. Please let me know all of your questions so I can reply to them as this is quite an urgent matter for me.

Thank you
A

Reply 7

Calum SLC

Hi sstanescu,

We wouldn't be able to pay you the 2nd instalment again but when you resume on your course we will pay your remaining entitlement.

Thanks,
Calum

Reply 8

Original post by Calum SLC

Hi sstanescu,
We wouldn't be able to pay you the 2nd instalment again but when you resume on your course we will pay your remaining entitlement.
Thanks,
Calum

Hi Calum,

Thank you for letting me know. Can I just clarify - do you mean I will be paid the remaining entitlement when I resume in January? That would be better for me as otherwise I wouldn't have any money for rent until I receive my bursary in March.

Best,
A

Reply 9

Calum SLC

Hi sstanescu,

Yes, we will reschedule your payments once your university confirms that you have resumed on the course.

Thanks,
Calum

Reply 10

Original post by Calum SLC

Hi sstanescu,
Yes, we will reschedule your payments once your university confirms that you have resumed on the course.
Thanks,
Calum

Thank you!

Reply 11

Ross SLC

Original post by sstanescu

Thank you!

You're welcome.

Any further queries please let us know.

Thanks,
Ross

Reply 12

Original post by Ross SLC

You're welcome.
Any further queries please let us know.
Thanks,
Ross

Hello Ross,

My university is requesting £4,625 for my tuition fees, as my fee has been reduced from £9,250. SFE has scheduled the full £9,250 payment, but the university is communicating this correction. Given this reduction in tuition fees, I’m wondering if this will affect my maintenance loan, which is currently scheduled at £9,604. Will the maintenance loan be adjusted due to the lower tuition fee, or will it remain the same? I’ve just rejoined my PGCE in early January and would appreciate clarification.
Many thanks,
A

Reply 13

Original post by sstanescu

Hello Ross,
My university is requesting £4,625 for my tuition fees, as my fee has been reduced from £9,250. SFE has scheduled the full £9,250 payment, but the university is communicating this correction. Given this reduction in tuition fees, I’m wondering if this will affect my maintenance loan, which is currently scheduled at £9,604. Will the maintenance loan be adjusted due to the lower tuition fee, or will it remain the same? I’ve just rejoined my PGCE in early January and would appreciate clarification.
Many thanks,
A

Hi there,

We'll only change your Maintenance Loan if your university tells us to. This happens if you're only studying for part of the academic year.

Is that the case with yourself? Is your university classing you as studying for only part of the year?

Thanks, Graeme

Reply 14

Original post by Graeme SFE

Hi there,
We'll only change your Maintenance Loan if your university tells us to. This happens if you're only studying for part of the academic year.
Is that the case with yourself? Is your university classing you as studying for only part of the year?
Thanks, Graeme

Hi Graeme,

Yes, I am only studying January - end of June as I have stated in this thread. I have started earlier this month.

I have spoken to SFE and they said it would be pro rata, and that I should receive an updated plan on February 4th. However, I can see that I have a pending payment from SFE for around £6000 which I am guessing will be considered an overpayment when I get the update next week. What do I do???

Thank you.

Best
A

Reply 15

Claire SFE