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Completing your student finance application
To successfully complete a student finance application, you will need to know beforehand what evidence you'll need to supply, and how your household income and student status are worked out.
Making your student finance application
Before completing your student finance application, make sure you are aware of the following:
- what to supply with your student finance application
- how household income and your student status are decided
- what your parent(s), spouse or partner will need to do
- how to get extra help if you have children, dependants, or are disabled
- what to do if your circumstances change
To find out how and when to apply, and to download an application form, see 'How to apply for Student Loans, grants and bursaries'.
What to supply with your student finance application
Whether you apply on paper or online, you will be required to submit certain pieces of evidence along with your application. These will be detailed on your application. If you do not provide the information requested, payment of your financial help will be delayed.
If you were born in the UK
If you were born in the UK, you will be asked to provide your passport.
If you do not have a passport you can send your original birth certificate (or adoption certificate). If you send either of these documents they must be accompanied by an identity confirmation form.
If you were born outside the UK
If you were born abroad, you will be asked to provide either:
- your current passport
- a letter or other documents completed by a responsible person, confirming information about your birth
The paper and online application forms will provide details of the supporting evidence required from you and your family. Depending on your circumstances, your local authority may request further evidence from you.
How household income and your student status are decided
When you are making an application for financial help, you will need to identify whether you:
- are classed as a 'dependent' or 'independent' student; and
- will be applying for the maximum amount of support available, or simply the non-income assessed element
To find out more, see 'How income assessment works'.
What your parent(s), spouse or partner will need to do
If you depend on a parent, carer or partner for financial support, they will also need to submit their details.
If you have applied online, they can then submit their details online. Otherwise they can complete a paper application form.
They will also be required to send certain pieces of evidence to your local authority.
Applying for extra help
Disabled students
Disabled students can apply for a number of extra grants and sources of financial help.
To find out more, see 'Disabled Students' Allowances - how to apply'.
Students with children or other dependants
If you have children or adult dependants, you can apply for extra help with your costs at the same time as applying for a Student Loan.
Indicate on your application that you would like to apply for extra help, and you will be issued with a form to supply information about your needs.
You may be asked to send your local authority receipts for childcare you have used, so make sure that you keep evidence of payments throughout the year or the period of childcare.
What to do with your application
If you apply on paper, send your application form plus any accompanying evidence to your local authority. In some areas, Student Finance Direct handles applications on behalf of local authorities - to find out where to apply, follow the 'Contact your local authority (student finance applications)' link below.
If you apply online, you should send your evidence with your 'ART ID' (a unique reference number that will be generated for you) to your local authority.
Double check you have enclosed all required evidence - if you do not, processing of your application may be delayed.
If your circumstances change
If there is any change to your circumstances which you think may affect your entitlement to your support, contact your local authority or complete and return a 'change of circumstances' form.
Additional links
Student finance online services
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