Worried about Uni funding

[chocolatesaltyballs22]

My stepson is due to start University next month - really pleased for him that he got excellent A level results and into his first choice of university. He got a full maintenance loan due to his mum's income being low. DH has agreed to give him a set amount per month to help with living expenses.

My concern is that he has never really been pushed to get a part time job while he was doing his A levels and he really doesn't have a work ethic (he works very hard at his school work but is not used to earning his own money, is what I mean). My DH can be a bit of a soft touch and I'm worried that DSS won't know how to budget properly, will end up running out of money and come back for more when he has no food etc. I know it's up to DH how much he gives him but I don't want him thinking he's 'bank of dad' and that he has an unlimited pot of money to give him.

I don't want to come across as mean as I'm really not, but it's a 4 year course and I just think we need to be firmer about setting ground rules around money and the expectation that he may need to take a part time job in order that he has a bit of extra cash. I don't want to overstep the mark though as it's kinda not my business (other than if DH has a lot less spare money then it may be down to me to fund luxuries etc). My own DD will go to Uni in 2 years as well so I have to bear that in mind.

Advice on how to tackle this would be appreciated.

Ragwort yes I agree, wait and see how the course goes sounds like a sensible suggestion. Some students do also find they need more time than others to get through the coursework - depends on their workstyle. Even the low contact courses seem to me to involve more work than in the past, though as I say that's just an impression!

Not part of your post...but as you probably know.... your DC will get a lower loan due to your household income.

I think the NRP's income is not taken into account when calculating the loan - although an adult partner's is, even if they are not the parent (not sure if any other adult in the household's income is). But op that's another way of looking at it I suppose - there's no real reason why the NRP's income is not taken into account. If your dss was living with dp, dp's and your income would be taken into account, and then he would be expected (by the 'system') to be making a contribution - so it isn't totally off the wall for him to be paying something.

@SoonerthanIthought

(not sure if any other adult in the household's income is)

It is the total household income is taken into account.

So the OPs DC will get less... although she could just put your income on the form as the parent who supports her.

The student loan system is unfair tbh. Dad could have a salary of 1 million and mum is on 25k, but the student (who lives with her) gets a higher rate loan.

Yet stepdad could earn loads and not contribute towards the child, but his income affects the students loan amount.

Does no one read the post? I've already said more than once that my stepson (not son) got a full maintenance loan due to his mum's income. He doesn't live with us full time therefore his dad's income isn't taken into account. Nor is mine, and why would it be since I'm not his parent? Also I'm very confused about assumptions regarding my income as I've never said or even hinted at how much I earn!

God this is making me tired...

The issue as I see it is your daughter is going to be disadvantaged as she won't get a full maintenance loan as she lives with you and DP so the household income will be too great.
So DP will be expected to support her by the state. Which will impact your household and DSs for the 2 years they overlap.
So I guess in my mind you do have a say in the support DSS receives as the existence of your relationship with DP impacts your DD.

Sandy if a dc had an elder sibling living at home would their income be taken into account as household income to calculate the loan? That would be very odd - or what about an aunt or uncle or friend of the family living in the house permanently?

I agree with you btw - I don't understand why the loan isn't calculated on the basis of both parents' income (including an nrp) and disregarding anyone else.

Choc I think Sandy's point was that when it comes to be your dc's turn, your dp's income will be taken into account - even if he is not her parent.

As for advice as per the op, I think it's great that your dh wants to support his ds - not all parents do; I'd wait until dss sees how the course goes before discussing a job; you obviously get on very well with dss so maybe can direct him to budgeting tips on mse, student room and so on if he's not the type to go out and get them? The student cook book is a great idea - cooking is one area where they can save a lot of money.

@cahocolatesaltyballs22

You're missing my point.

I understand that your income and his father's income were not taken into account.

That will not be the same when it comes to your DD... because the total household income where she lives will be what is used for the calculation.

Before you shout ppl down, perhaps read carefully what is being said. I was only trying to give you a heads up that your DD will get a lower loan than your SS.

They don't care that you have seperate finances.... it will be yours and your DPs income used to calculate.

An older siblings income would not be taken into account. It is your parent/their partner if your parents are seperated.

Ok apologies....I get a bit confused with all of the abbreviations. My DD will only get minimum loan just based on my salary so DH's salary is irrelevant really.