Childcare grant but my partner works?

[Snowtimex7]

Hello - I hope this is the right place for this question

I am a bit confused and at a crossroads. I have started my first year of uni and was expected to receive childcare, I got rejected and it went to appeals as they claimed I have universal credit which I don't.

I was told I then don't qualify due to my partners wage- from my uni student help line. My partner earns 28k a year, 10k over the threshold I didn't know about. I am 26, with a 2 year old. Our monthly outgoings currently are £250 more than his pay covering all expenses so we have been using my student finance (which is now finished due to childcare fees and moving costs) and therefore I can't afford nursery on top.

I qualified for full student finance as his job is recent, and we used to be on universal and had low-income jobs and it works for the tax year before. I filled the childcare form in accurately and got someone to check it, as I am over 25 I didn't need to put in his wage and they said they work with HMRC.

Today I received confirmation I have been approved for the grant which will cover my toddlers whole year. I don't want to accept it if they say I lied and have to pay the entire amount back? and possibly lose my loans completely?

Without the grant though I have to leave university as I don't have a spare £800 a month for childcare, we live 4 hours away from family and my uni is monday to friday so I don't have time to work. If I do; I wont see my child and will fall behind on the 3 hours work I have to do the next day. (lots of reading and preperation)

This is the link to the form www.gov.uk/student-finance-forms/y/studying-full-time-in-england-and-qualify-for-support-with-tuition-fees-and-living-costs/apply-for-childcare-grant/2022-to-2023

Is there something I am not seeing? I dont need adults dependent grant, I am over 25, I have no income myself? Is there something I have done wrong? Am I actually entitled to the amount and able to continue my studies?

Sorry for the ramble, I had come to the conclusion I have to give up on my dream and remain a stay at home mum as I couldn't afford childcare. This completely changes everything.

thanks

The details of the student grant I cannot help you with so giving a bump incase someone can.

However - go and speak to your department admissions tutor. They will not want to loose a mature student from their course and will do everything then can to help you sort out the situation.

I’d suggest Student Services at your institution rather than any of the academic staff. It’s their job to help students with this sort of difficulty.

I’m sorry you’re facing this stress at the start of your course - you have all my empathy! For myself I’d probably just take the grant and press on, but I know others might be more cautious and double check.

Thank you, its just all so mad.

I love the course, something I have wanted to do for so long. Got all the books, loved the campus, got into it and then bam lost childcare. Completely out of money. Not what I expected.

I've had some family read the forms I have provided and so far it looks as though I'm in the clear. But knowing the threshold does it make me liable? I'm not sure. I think I have no choice but to use it until Christmas as my entire student finance is gone. And then re-evaluate in the new year currently

I think this is too complicated for us to be competent to advise you Op. If you don’t understand it, we have no chance.

Keep asking questions from websites/ university support team, and good luck!

Honestly, @Snowtimex7 - phone your Student Services office today and make an appointment. This is their job.

Do you have an update for this please?! We are in the exact same situation @Snowtimex7