Need to use slc again but have old debts - Help?

[zigster]

I am writing on behalf of my husband who is due to start a PGCE in September. Although this course has a bursary he still has to apply for a student loan for the tuition fees. The bursary is paid monthly.

 

The problem is that he has not paid off previous loans from when he was a student in the early nineties. ALthough he deferred for some time and has never earned over the deferment amount; there was a time when he moved and didn't alert the student loans company. This resulted in arrears and not quite sure what has happened now. I think that they wrote to his parent's address but it was quite some time ago. He now wants to sort it all out but is worried that he will not be given a new loan for his new course!

 

I'm sorry I don't have all the details but was wondering if anyone had been refused a loan by the student loans company because of previous arrears?

Alternatively, he could pay his fees with the bursary and avoid the slc. So my next question is if anyone has paid their own fees on a monthly basis through an arrangement with the university?

 

I would be really grateful for any advice...

[GlasweJen]

I don't know about the student loan question but the finance department at the university can set up a direct debit or some other arrangement to collect tuition fees from your account. You should write informing them that you wish to pay the balance with the bursary and include the letter from your ELA or other awarding body to show that you can finance the degree. The only catch is if you fail to stick to schedule they can withhold graduation until you're paid up to date.

[zigster]

Thank you. That sounds like a good option! Having read so much about the slc on here, I think they are best avoided if at all possible!!!