Reassess your student loan if parental support stops
If you have no contact with your parents and are financially supporting yourself, you could get additional funding.
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How being estranged impacts your student finance
If you are a home (UK) student and have become estranged from your parents, you could get a higher loan from Student Finance (SF).
‘Estrangement’ is defined by SF as:
- you have not been in contact (spoken or written) with either parent for at least 12 months
- this situation is unlikely to change (permanently damaged).
If your estrangement happened within the last 12 months, you could also apply, depending on your circumstances.
When to request a student finance reassessment
If you meet SF's definition of estrangement, you can ask Student Finance to reassess you as an independent student. This means the amount you receive would be based on your own income only.
You can request this at any time. The sooner you notify SF, the sooner your funding can be updated.
How to request a student finance reassessment
1. Tell Student Finance about your change in circumstances
Log in to your Student Finance (GOV.UK) account and inform them that you need to be reassessed due to estrangement. They might ask you to complete a declaration form.
2. Gather your evidence and submit it
You need to provide evidence from a professional who can confirm your situation. According to SF and UCAS, acceptable evidence includes (this is not a complete list):
- a letter from our support service, such as Money Advice or Student Wellbeing
- a letter from a teacher, GP (doctor), counsellor, social worker, or support worker who knows your situation
- official documents such as police reports or court orders, if relevant.
We can help you gather this evidence. For support, contact us.
Upload your documents to your Student Finance account or send them by post. SF may contact you for an explanation. Keep copies of all evidence you submit.
3. Wait for your reassessment
Once approved, SF will reassess your funding as an independent student and you may receive the maximum maintenance loan.
SF might request evidence of your estrangement every year that you apply for student finance.
More support for estranged students
You can get wellbeing and inclusion support for estranged students throughout your studies.
You can apply for financial support through the Bristol Standalone Bursary.
Get urgent help
If you’re struggling with money while you wait for Student Finance reassessment, get support from a Student Money Adviser.
We also offer emergency financial support for students.
If you need wellbeing support, contact our wellbeing team.