Am I eligible for student finance? Residency and Second Degree

Hi,
A couple of questions I'm hoping someone can help with:
I will be applying to study BSc Midwifery in September 2026. I've already completed a BA Criminology degree in 2017 where I received both tuition fee and maintenance loan. I believe I am definitely eligible for at least the tuition fee for this degree as it's in healthcare, however would I still be eligible to apply for a maintenance loan for a second undergraduate degree?
Secondly, I am a UK resident and British Citizen. Between 2023 and 2024 I spent around 18 months travelling outside of the UK. I was on a career break but still officially employed by my company in the UK, we have a signed contract to confirm this 18 month break was agreed and that I would be returning to work which I have. I've also remained registered at my UK address on the electoral register etc. This was purely a temporary time spent travelling, however I understand there are some SF requirements around having spent a certain amount of time outside the UK. Would this affect my application for SF if I can provide evidence that it was never going to be permanent and I would return to the UK? If so, what sort of evidence would be required? Thank you!
Edit** To add in case this makes a difference, the countries I was travelling were in Asia. I did some part time teaching work while travelling in Vietnam.

Hi Em,
As long as you're living back in the UK on the 1st day of the academic year of your course. You'd also need to send evidence to confirm your time outside the UK was of a temporary nature (such as contact confirming temporary, temporary visas etc). Once you make the application (when they go live next spring), we can advise on what to send and help with any further questions. Thanks, Jason

Hi Jason,
That’s really helpful thank you. Just another question, as this will be my second undergraduate degree will I still be eligible for maintenance loans? I believe I’m eligible for the tuition fee loans because it’s a midwifery degree however I can’t find any information if this also applies to maintenance loan? Thank you!