Student Finance England Estrangement Worries

2

Hi SFE,

I've got some questions about making my application. I will be 18 starting first year on an undergraduate course this September and I'm applying as an estranged student as I'm currently homeless (referrals have been made already, don't worry), no contact with my parents and there is no possibility of reconciliation. The estrangement is recent though - February this year. I've heard of getting the estrangement loan being very difficult so I want to do this right. I won't be able to go to university without it.

I know the Confirmation of Estrangement form is imperative, and I've had my mental health nurse be my third party for that. We only met recently but she knows my situation very well and is of good standing in the community. I can also get my work manager (director of a well-respected venue, and knows my situation and has supported me throughout) to write an additional letter supporting that and also my university of choice's Welfare team to do the same. All have seen physical evidence of my circumstances.

I can also get my Universal Credit payslips as evidence of independence, I could even ask my work coach to write another supporting letter. I also have my accomodation license from when I was in emergency accomodation from my local council.

I *think* this is sufficient, but I'm incredibly stressed something will fall through wrongly, and I want to mitigate that as best I can. It may be worth mentioning my brother, who was in the exact same situation as me, was awarded the full estrangement loan and, same as me, would not have been able to go to university without it. This is of utmost importance to me right now. I would like to be able to have some kind of interview/phone discussion with an SFE worker to verbally confirm my circumstances too, I think that might help (my brother did so).

My questions are really: is this enough? What else can I add? Also, is there any framework/specifics I should ensure my confirmation of estrangement form and/or letters mention? Can I request that phone interview anywhere? Common mistakes that could delay my application? And, were my application to be declined/delayed, would I still get the base amount and tuition fee loan at least (so I can enrol and start the course)?

Thanks, I look forward to hearing from you.

Reply 1

JasmineAcademic

13

Sorry to hear about your situation. Have you spoken to the welfare team at your university? They will have a specific team who deals with and advises estranged students. They may even be able to help you with the process. I hope it works out 🤞

Reply 2

PW_33

OP

2

Original post

by JasmineAcademic

Sorry to hear about your situation. Have you spoken to the welfare team at your university? They will have a specific team who deals with and advises estranged students. They may even be able to help you with the process. I hope it works out 🤞

I have - they've told me to contact SFE. (They've said they're happy to do the form for me too but I think my MHN will be better since she knows the whole story from childhood, knows it's irreconcilable and is homelessness specialised. I might ask them to write some kind of additional letter explaining my circumstances too though, if SFE wants it).

I'm likely going to end up calling SFE anyway but I figured I'd try here too. Thanks for your reply nonetheless.

Reply 3

normaw

20

Original post

by PW_33

I have - they've told me to contact SFE. (They've said they're happy to do the form for me too but I think my MHN will be better since she knows the whole story from childhood, knows it's irreconcilable and is homelessness specialised. I might ask them to write some kind of additional letter explaining my circumstances too though, if SFE wants it).

I'm likely going to end up calling SFE anyway but I figured I'd try here too. Thanks for your reply nonetheless.

I've moved your thread to the Ask SFE forum so that an official SFE/SLC will reply to you (during normal office hours M-F). :smile:

Reply 4

Stephen SLC

Official Rep

8

Hi there, for estrangement we would require either the Estrangement form or a covering letter covering the required information:

•

The relationship to the student and the length of time they have known them

•

The reasons for the estrangement from both their parents and when this occurred

•

Current contact levels with both parents and if a reconciliation is likely

•

The 3rd party contact details should we need to contact them

This is what we advise all estrange students to submit for review. With regards to the phone interview, I would have this noted on any additional letters that will be submitted with the form/letter. For contact information for the 3rd party, it would be best if a land line telephone number is provided rather than a mobile number. Were the application to be declined or delayed, we would still assess the application as far as we could, usually they minimum amount and tuition fee loan. Evidence of this nature, once received (can be uploaded via your online account) is currently taking an estimated 12 working days once received, although, this is subject to change. Stephen.

Student Finance England Estrangement Worries

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