What Happens to My Application?

 

 

 

You can make an application online. You should go to the Directgov website and follow the instructions to apply on-line. When you have completed the application please ensure you click on the "Submit" button, otherwise your application will not have been submitted for approval.

Your ID number (ART ID) will be issued to you immediately.

 

We deal with applications in order of date submitted, and aim to turn them around within 20 working days.

 

You will be able to check your account online on the Student Finance Direct website at any time by providing your ART ID, a password and secret answer. 

 

 

We deal with applications in date order of receipt and aim to turn round paper applications within 30 working days.  We receive in the region of 9,000 applications. 

 

 

 

Your application is received by our team and registered on the computer system.  After registration, an acknowledgement letter will be sent to you by the Student Loans Company (SLC) confirming that your application has been received and issuing you with an ID number (referred to as the ART ID) and a password.  You will be asked for this security information whenever you make an enquiry about your application. 

 

Your documents are checked off and photocopied and the originals returned to you. 

Your application is then passed to a Team Leader who decides whether you are eligible to receive financial support.  We will write to you at this stage if we require any further information.

 

 

 

Once eligibility is established, the application is passed to an assessor.  The assessor inputs your details onto a national on-line computer system (designed and maintained by the SLC) and calculates your entitlement.  Once the assessment has been completed, a Student Support Notification will be sent to you by the SLC.  This letter will tell you how much loan you are entitled to and whether the assessment is 'final' or 'provisional'.  In the case of provisional assessments, the further information required from you will be requested later in the year.

 

 

 

A Schedule of Payments is sent out to you by the SLC approximately 14 days before you are due to enrol on your course.  If you applied late, this may be sent at the same time as the Student Support Notification.  The schedule will outline when payments are due to go into your bank account.  The loan is paid in 3 instalments at the beginning of each academic term.

 

 

 

When you enrol on your course, you must take your Student Support Notification with you.  The university/college will check that the course details on this letter match the course you are enrolling on.  They will then notify the SLC that you are registered on the course and this will trigger the first payment being released.