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Bursary Questions - please help!

Discussion in 'Money' started by JOEB, Feb 14, 2012.

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  1. JOEB Member

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    I’ve read lots of the threads about the bursary, but still have a few questions that I hope that someone may be able to answer.

    1) When you complete the bursary forms are the incomes based on the previous tax years incomes e.g. if I was to get a place for September, would it be based on Apr’11-Apr’12 or what our incomes will be come September? (I will be giving up a well paid part time job if I am lucky enough to get an offer)

    2) My two children get the lower rate disability living allowance (DLA) – does this affect the bursary in any way? Would I get more for the dependents part? Or is it counted as income?

    3) Once the bursary has been awarded is that it for the year – for example can it be recalculated if for example earnings change? (like Child Tax Credits / Working Tax Credits) My OH is due to have a 30% pay cut next January. So could we then reapply then or would I have to wait for year 2 of the course for my bursary to be reviewed? Similarly, if my OH got another job later in the year that pays significantly more (we wish!) would we have to declare it?



    Thank you for reading. I would really appreciate any information that anyone can offer as money is going to be really tight if I’m lucky enough to get a place.
    JOEB, Feb 14, 2012
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  2. MrsSkip Moderator

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    1. They do base your income on earning in the last financial year, even though they ask for your expected income in the academic year!?!?

    2. The DLA will count as income for your kids so you may not get dependents allowance for them.

    3. If your income changes, you can submit a 3 page 'change of income' form and they will recalculate your bursary :)

    Hope that helps!
    MrsSkip, Feb 18, 2012
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  3. Sunny Well-Known Member

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    Quiz Runner Up
    On the DLA bit, how much then does the dependents allowance come in at then? Because the lower rate dla is £19ish per week which I get for my son, would it reduce the dependents allowance rather than stopping you get it?

    And what about child tax credits? Do they count as income when the bursary is calculated?
    Sunny, Feb 18, 2012
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  4. JOEB Member

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    Good points - does anyone know??
    JOEB, Feb 18, 2012
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  5. JOEB Member

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    Why do they base your income on the last financial year? Because many people (including me) could be giving up well paid jobs and really need the bursary to help compensate for the lack of income! :?
    JOEB, Feb 18, 2012
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  6. MrsSkip Moderator

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    I dont' know, but my hubby gave up work when I started my course and even though I mentioned this several times on my form, they based our bursary award on what our income was when he was working. Maybe the answer is to get it in early and then send a change of income form as soon as your income changes, or even send it along with your application if your income has already changed. Mine only got sorted out last month and if we hadn't had savings we could dip into, it could have cost me my place.

    I say it may mean you don't get dependents allowance for children on DLA, because it would depend on your income etc as to whether you'd still get some or not.
    MrsSkip, Feb 18, 2012
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  7. JOEB Member

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    Thank you for your advice MrsSkip - much appreciated. :yes: Lots to think about!
    JOEB, Feb 18, 2012
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  8. hulkgti Member

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    Omg, this is the first I've heard about dla being counted as income! That is seriously going to mess up my uni plans if this is true :( Is the info on line anywhere? Don't fancy phonin again if I can help it.
    hulkgti, Feb 18, 2012
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  9. RebelDiamond Active Member

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    From what I have read and understood, ctc do not count as income xx
    RebelDiamond, Feb 18, 2012
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  10. MrsSkip Moderator

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    DLA for kids count as kids income, meaning that it will affect any dependents allowance calculated for that child. Tax credits don't count as income but JSA and other benefits do.
    MrsSkip, Feb 18, 2012
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