Introduction
Applying for student finance can be complicated, with lots of forms, paperwork, and details to keep track of. What if you realize after submitting your application that you made a mistake or need to update some information? Is it possible to change your student finance application after already submitted it?
The short answer is yes—in most cases, you can make changes and updates even after sending in your initial student finance application. However, the ease and specifics of amending your application will depend on a few key factors.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about changing or updating details on your submitted student finance application, including:
- Key deadlines for making amendments
- What parts of your application can be updated?
- The process and forms required to make changes
- Getting in touch with relevant authorities
- Tips for streamlining the amendment process
When can I edit my submitted application?
Student Finance Deadlines
Generally speaking, you are able to make changes to your submitted student finance application up until nine months after the start of the academic year the funding is for.
Here are some key deadlines to be aware of:
- The academic year starts: September 1st
- Deadline for applying: Mid-May (priority deadline)
- Deadline for amendments: May 31st of the following year
For example, if you apply for student finance for the 2023–2024 academic year, which starts on September 1st, 2023, you would have until May 31st, 2024, to submit any changes to that application.
It’s best practice to get any amendments in as early as possible, but it is reassuring to know you have an extended window to update details if needed. Do keep the May 31st cut-off date in mind, though.
Key Student Finance Deadlines
| Action | Deadline |
| Submit application | Mid-May (priority) |
| Academic year starts | September 1st |
| Amendments deadline | May 31st (following year) |
What parts of my application can be amended?
The good news is that most sections and details of your student finance application can be updated after submission, if needed.
Some common details that applicants request to change include:
- Bank and/or address details
- Course or university details
- Family/household income
- Dependency status
- Disability status
Essentially, you can edit any information that may have changed or that you realize was incorrectly reported on your first submitted application.
The key exception here is loan amounts. You cannot adjust how much you initially applied to borrow after sending in your application. Loan amounts can only be amended via a new application the following academic year.
The Process for Making Changes
If you do need to edit something on your submitted student finance application, here is a summary of the process:
1. Determine what needs to be updated and gather any supporting documentation. This could be something like:
- Revised financial statements showing updated income information
- A letter from your university confirming a change in course status
- Proof of address if your living situation has changed
2. Contact the student finance authority. Most applications are administered through Student Finance England. You would need to get in touch with their student support team directly via email or phone.
3. Explain what needs to be amended and provide supporting evidence. The representatives can guide you through the exact procedures and paperwork needed to authorize changes.
4. Receive confirmation. Typically, within 1-2 weeks, you would receive written correspondence confirming your application has been updated based on the details provided.
Who to Contact About Changes?
Student finance applications are primarily handled by Student Finance England. So in most cases, this will be the authority to contact about amending a submitted application.
Here is how to get in touch with them:
Phone: 0300 100 0607
Post:
Student Finance England
PO Box 210
Darlington, DL1 9HJ
If you are contacting them via mail, be sure to include your customer reference number on any letters or paperwork to help them identify your account faster.
Streamlining the Update Process
To ensure amending your student finance application goes smoothly, keep these tips in mind:
- Contact authorities as early as possible with any change requests
- Provide clear explanations and documentation supporting the amendments
- Follow up 2 weeks after initial contact if no confirmation received
- Save copies of all change requests and written correspondence
Being organized and proactive will optimize the process and the likelihood of prompt approval.
FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about making changes to your submitted student finance application:
Q. Can I increase how much I want to borrow after submitting my original application?
Ans: No, you cannot adjust loan amounts after submitting. This needs to be done in the following year’s application.
Q. What if I change universities? Can I update where the money gets sent?
Ans: Yes. Get in touch with the student finance authority and provide proof of the university change. They can amend where funds are distributed.
Q. I now qualify for disability benefits I didn’t claim earlier. Can I get this added on to access extra funding?
Ans. Yes. You will need to provide documentation proving your eligibility and disability status. But the authorities can add this on and increase relevant funding support.
Q. I’m worried my parent’s income this year will be much lower. Should I wait to apply so my household income assessment will be more accurate?
Ans: You typically use the tax return from the previous year when first applying. But if income changes significantly mid-year, get in touch with amendments explaining the situation and providing updated income statements. They can often reassess eligibility.
Conclusion
Applying for student finance is complicated enough without having to worry about being locked into your original details forever. Thankfully amendments can be made following the proper procedures.
Remember the window for alterations is often limited and valid documentation must back up any changes. So stay organized, act quickly if your situation shifts financially or personally and keep your student funding provider updated on an ongoing basis. Maintaining clear communication and submitting accurate information in a timely manner will help streamline any necessary amendments.
With the knowledge of how to tweak your application even after submission, you can feel confident going through the initial applications process. Even if mistakes occur or life throws curveballs, there are opportunities to get details corrected so your funding eligibility accurately reflects your current needs and status.
