Statutory Funding (Student Finance)
How to apply for funding as an estranged student
You can visit the Student Finance website to apply.
There is also a lot of information and guidance on the UCAS website regarding financial support for students not supported by their family. Visit UCAS website for guidance.
Assessments for student funding are normally made based on parental income. If you are irreconcilably estranged from your parents then you can apply as an ‘independent student’. If you don’t apply as an independent student then Student Finance will try and assess your funding entitlement based on the household income of someone you’re dependent on. If they don’t receive information about this household income, they will only be able to assess you for the basic level of non means-tested funding, potentially reducing the amount you will receive. If you are estranged from your family, when you get to the section that asks whether you are a dependent or independent student, you should tick the box that states that you are “irreconcilably estranged from your family” and you will also need to send in some supporting evidence.
Student Finance England have also provided a form you can ask a referee to complete to evidence that you are estranged. This is the form you need in order to apply for your funding for 2023/24.
The Student Finance calculator will help you work out how much funding you will be entitled to.
What if I have not been assessed as ‘estranged’ by Student Finance?
If you are estranged but you’re finding it difficult to apply for Student Finance as an independent student, you are welcome to get in touch with your named contacts. You can discuss your individual circumstances and seek advice as to whether you should be eligible for funding as an independent student. They can help you find out the best sort of evidence to obtain and support you in contacting the funding authorities.
Financial Support from the University
The Student Success Scholarship is available to undergraduate students and is designed to help you succeed at Sheffield Hallam. The scholarship includes a series of financial awards from £600 to £2,100, and estrangement from family is one of the priority groups.
External Sources of Support
Buttle UK – provides grants to young people in the UK aged 16-20, often when there is no other source of help available to them. To apply for funding as an estranged young person you’d need some support from a person in a support role. This is something we can help with so do get in touch. There are particular eligibility criteria for this programme, so please ensure you check this first.
Buttle UK also have a comprehensive list of other sources of financial support you may be able to apply for.
Brightside – has some useful information for students whose parents are unwilling to provide their income details, as well as estranged students finding it difficult to evidence independence.
Turn2us – is a free service that helps people in financial need to access welfare benefits, charitable grants and other financial help. Their website has a free and easy to use benefits calculator and grants search.
