Suddenly not eligible for maintenance loan

Hi,

I started my course in Sept'23. I opted to defer for 1 year for health reasons in the spring term. I returned in 2025 at the point where I had deferred.

I was initially approved for the maintenance loan for the 1 term I have left of my first year, with an overpayment deducted from 23/24. I was paid the remainder on May 1st. Then today I got a letter stating that I dont qualify for the maintenance loan for this academic year after all and now have to pay it all back.

I was approved in 23/24. Ive been approved for the new academic year 25/26.

How come I'm suddenly ineligible in 24/25? Is it possible its a mistake?

My circumstances haven't changed. My income hasn't changed. I live with my partner, but his income hasn't changed significantly either (in fact, it slightly decreased).

I'm a mature student, over 30, with children. I haven't moved from my address in 5.5 years.

This is my Masters degree. I had no problems getting SFE with my bachelor. I'm an EU national, but I've lived in the UK since 2009 and have settled status.

I just don't understand it at all.

(edited 10 months ago)

Reply 1

SFE Jason

Official Rep

Original post

by Silverlin

Hi,
I started my course in Sept'23. I opted to defer for 1 year for health reasons in the spring term. I returned in 2025 at the point where I had deferred.
I was initially approved for the maintenance loan for the 1 term I have left of my first year, with an overpayment deducted from 23/24. I was paid the remainder on May 1st. Then today I got a letter stating that I dont qualify for the maintenance loan for this academic year after all and now have to pay it all back.
I was approved in 23/24. Ive been approved for the new academic year 25/26.
How come I'm suddenly ineligible in 24/25? Is it possible its a mistake?
My circumstances haven't changed. My income hasn't changed. I live with my partner, but his income hasn't changed significantly either (in fact, it slightly decreased).
I'm a mature student, over 30, with children. I haven't moved from my address in 5.5 years.
This is my Masters degree. I had no problems getting SFE with my bachelor. I'm an EU national, but I've lived in the UK since 2009 and have settled status.
I just don't understand it at all.

Hi there,

Sorry, you mentioned Masters degree? We don't offer a maintenance loan if that's what you're studying? It's a Postgraduate loan which is a combined loan paid directly to the student who then uses this to pay their tuition fees or towards living costs. Is that what you are studying? Thanks, Jason