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Further education

You'll find discussions about A Levels and universities on our Further Education forum.

Original poster

Student Loans Company

25 replies

Radiatorvalves · 23/05/2023 13:33

My DS is hoping to go to uni in September and has applied to the SLC giving DH and my emails. DH clicked the link and all is ok, but when I clicked the link I was told I already had an account… which is not the case.

I attended uni in the 80s and never had a loan. DS is 18 and our eldest child. So I think there must be an error, although as I’ve provided full name, DoB, address and national insurance number, not sure how this could have happened. I’m concerned there may be fraudulent activity.

As instructed I rang the SLC, explained the situation and was instructed to contact them via post with my name and email address. I have written a letter and sent an email to the complaint address. I had asked to speak to a manager and none were available. The say they will acknowledge complaints within 20 working days, but could be longer.

im annoyed given the fraud concern, but also the likely delay which will cause anxiety in the middle of A levels.

Has anyone experienced similar?

OP posts:
CointreauVersial · 23/05/2023 13:36

Don't you apply for student finance through the Government Gateway? You might have an existing login to this for any pensions or child benefit stuff you've been involved with in the past.

youhavenoidea123 · 23/05/2023 13:37

I had similar. I just asked to update my password / login. It was sorted very quickly. There was no fraudulent activity. I think it was when I explored a course.

Catchasingmewithspiders · 23/05/2023 13:37

You may not have had a loan but did you get any kind of maintenence grant at all?

Original poster
Radiatorvalves · 23/05/2023 13:56

Thanks for the quick replies. I’ve got a government gateway login (for tax), but so has husband and he hadn’t had the issue. I don’t think it’s the same system.

I didn’t have any maintenance and have never claimed benefits (no child benefit since the rules changed).

I will retry with the gateway password, but not holding out a lot of hope!

OP posts:
youhavenoidea123 · 23/05/2023 14:01

It's not linked to the gateway, it's separate.

FiveMoreMinutesPlease · 23/05/2023 14:13

I had this problem. I just clicked that I didn't have an account and it let me through. Same for DH. I couldn't get hold of anyone in student loans to help so that was my only recourse.

Jux · 23/05/2023 14:23

SLC are pretty hopeless ime. I went to Uni in my 30s and they'd just been set up and you could spend literally 6 hours just holding the phone - no online presence back then! I had a loan in my second year, 1985/6 I think.

DD is graduating this year and they're no better, bad in different ways, all online and no one you speak to knows anything. They all seem pretty ignorant of how the system works so aren't helpful unless you fit their boxes perfectly, which of course, one doesn't.

As DD is doing a Masters are this we'll be dealing with them this year, but now we've got things smoothed our after 3 years I'm hoping there'll be no probs.

Honestly, you need a degree just to get through all this stuff, before you even before you start your BSc/BA!

Good luck, it'llget sorted, so try not to stress. Deep breaths, tell ds that it's all under control and being dealt with and he can concentrate on his exams.

Original poster
Radiatorvalves · 23/05/2023 21:34

Thanks again. Kind of what I assumed, but all a bit depressing. DS focused on tomorrow’s A levels…

OP posts:
JeandeServiette · 23/05/2023 21:43

DH had this. It was a hangover from his paper-based 1980s student grant. He had a hell of a time answering the security questions that allowed him access.

Original poster
Radiatorvalves · 23/05/2023 21:55

Interesting @JeandeServiette I didn’t get a grant, so really struggling to think what they’re on about. I guess time will tell. 🙄

OP posts:
JeandeServiette · 23/05/2023 22:05

You haven't had any adult learning loans or similar for part time or professional courses? That is the same system.

Original poster
Radiatorvalves · 24/05/2023 07:30

Absolutely nothing! Not complaining,I’ve always been lucky and costs of any education have been funded by employers. Somewhat intrigued.

OP posts:
changewhale · 24/05/2023 07:35

Hang on. Doesn't the child just get one account? I'm confused why you and your husband would have seperate accounts? Or have things changed? Back when I had one it was just me that had the account.

GladysHeeler · 24/05/2023 07:41

Thinks have changed alright. Changed into a nightmare!

It's like jumping through hoops of fire. Emails and addresses from thirty years ago. Phones never answered.

If it makes you feel any better my dd didn't apply until well after the deadline and still got her loan on time.

Original poster
Radiatorvalves · 24/05/2023 09:26

It’s all to do - I think - with the level of funding he’s entitled to. We know it will be the minimum, but we still need to jump through the hoops….

OP posts:
CointreauVersial · 24/05/2023 17:34

Sorry, I mis-led you about Government Gateway.....you DO apply for student loans via the Government website, but via Student Finance England. We've just applied for next year's loan for DD2 which refreshed my memory!

She's only applied for the minimum student loan for maintenance, so there's no involvement with Student Loans Company, and no requirement for my/DH's email address or financial details.....so I'm absolutely no help at all, and have just confused you - sorry!

CointreauVersial · 24/05/2023 17:37

Also.....why jump through the hoops if you know you won't be entitled to anything above the minimum? You just say "minimum, please" during the application on SFE, and there's no more questions to answer.

Cookerhood · 24/05/2023 17:39

Are you sure you need to do anything? From what I remember (3 children out the other side), it was just the student who did the application, it was nothing to do with us.

Cookerhood · 24/05/2023 17:39

Yes, as above, minimum loan just requires a tick to say you don't want any more than that.

gogohmm · 24/05/2023 17:40

I had an account because I once enquired about funding for teaching training but didn't go ahead. Have you ever enquired?

CointreauVersial · 24/05/2023 17:41

Cookerhood · 24/05/2023 17:39

Are you sure you need to do anything? From what I remember (3 children out the other side), it was just the student who did the application, it was nothing to do with us.

Yes, it's the student, but if your DCs are anything like mine, the application is done with a considerable amount of parental input and assistance!!

CointreauVersial · 24/05/2023 17:43

Also....."The Difference Between Student Finance England and The Student Loans Company: Student Finance England (SFE) deal with the allocation of loans and your application. The Student Loans Company (SLC) deal with the repayments when you graduate."

Are you sure you are contacting the correct place?

MoralOrLegal · 24/05/2023 17:45

Cookerhood · 24/05/2023 17:39

Yes, as above, minimum loan just requires a tick to say you don't want any more than that.

Another voice to say this! If your DC will only be eligible for minimum loan, they tick a box to say that, and the parents don't need to give any information at all. Also means that the application is processed much faster.

JeandeServiette · 24/05/2023 17:53

Yes, it's the student, but if your DCs are anything like mine, the application is done with a considerable amount of parental input and assistance!!

The parents also have to create/revive their own accounts in order to provide supporting information.

Cookerhood · 24/05/2023 17:54

But no supporting information is needed if you are applying for minimum.loan.

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