Closed petition Get Student Finance England to consider a mortgage as ‘financial independence’.

Closed on 15 December 2018

Currently, the regulations for an individual applying for Student Finance under the age of 25, must be assessed on their parental household income, unless married or care for a child. However, SFE do not view a mortgage to be an eligble factor to verify “independent status”.

After several appeals to review my circumstances, SFE have rejected my request for “independent status”. As a home-owner, unemployment with little student loan to pay my mortgage for the year whilst studying, has resulted in withdrawal from my course. It is suggested to marry to be considered as “financially independent” to therefore receive finance based on my own income rather than my parents. It is an outdated system to consider marriage as more financially independent, than owning a home.