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ALF Frequently Asked Questions

 

Do I need to attend a workshop?

If you are on a university campus, or at a SURF college within reasonable travelling distance of the University e.g. Stoke or Stafford, then you must attend a workshop. If you are a distance learner, or attend one of the outlying SURF colleges or Hospital (if you are a nursing student), then your application can be dealt with by post.

 

What should I do before starting the form?

Read the guidance notes supplied with the form. Each section of the guidance notes is numbered and relates to the appropriate section of the form.

These will guide you through the application process. If you have still have questions regarding any aspect of the application process, after attending an ALF workshop, then contact the Student Advice Centre.  We cannot check your form for you, but we can help clear up any niggles. We offer telephone and email advice for students who are unable to attend in person.

 

What is Assumed Income?

The government assumes you will be earning money to supplement your student funding. There some exceptions to this rule (read the guidance notes). You will need to put down the amounts set out in the guidance notes, even if you do not have an income from part-time work.  Do not leave this box blank unless your income is disregarded.

 

Must I annotate my bank statements?

You must annotate your bank statements i.e. clearly explain where all income has come from; and what expenditure of £50 and over has been spent on. Do not rely upon what is printed on the bank statement e.g. if you have a payment to an insurance company, is it for car insurance, content insurance or life insurance? Although it is administered by the University the fund is provided by the government, and this is part of the auditing process. ALF will not consider applications without annotated bank statements!

 

What are Composite Living Costs?

This is your household weekly expenditure on food and utility bills; it is a set figure in the guidance notes. You must use these figures, not your actual expenditure. Do not leave this box blank.

You must add an amount for yourself, or yourself and your partner. Those students with children should add an extra amount for each dependent child and a family premium.

E.g.  A lone parent with two children would calculate their Composite Living Cost as:

  • Single Student  = £67
  • Two Children at £59 each = £118
  • Family Premium = £18
  • Total CLC = £203

 

P.S. putting your mobile phone gas and electricity bills down under “other” costs will not get them considered separately

 

Why can’t I claim a mileage cost?

Only students with children, or disabilities, can claim a mileage cost. All other students should put down public transport costs and provide some old tickets as proof of fare.

 

What should I put in the “General Travel” and “Books and Equipment” boxes?

These are set figures in the guidance notes, you should only put in the amount applicable to your circumstances.

 

What will happen if I don't supply all the evidence or information required?

ALF will not start processing your application until they have all the evidence and  information required

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