Emergency Hardship Fund:
The EHF is an emergency payment up to £50 or students in crisis. Here are some FAQs:
Q: What is the maximum amount you can have? A: £50
Q: Can I just come to the SU to access it? A: You need to be referred from the University’s Financial Guidance Team or Mental Health Service.
Q: What if I need more than the maximum amount? A: You will need to go back to the Financial Guidance Team and discuss your case with them however the Students’ Union Advice Team can signpost to external organisations.
Q: How many times can I access the fund? A: Once a term. We get numerous students needing it and it is only for emergencies.
Q: How can I assessed it? A: You have to get a referral first, the Financial Guidance Team or Mental Health Service will then contact the Students’ Union before you can come to us.
Q: What kind of situations class as an emergency? A: We hear a lot of different emergency cases but some include: not being able to pay for fuel to get home, having to go home due to a family emergency and not being able to pay for transport to get to placement.
Q: What can I do if the SU isn’t open and I need the EHF? A: The Students’ Unions opening hours are 10am-4pm, we cannot guarantee that someone can give out the EHF before and after those hours.
Q:What can I do for more support? A: Depending on your situation, the Financial Guidance Team may be able to help however the SU Advice Service can also help you look in to different options.
Q: Does this go on to my records? A: This does not go on to my LEARN records.
Budgeting tips:
• To prepare budgets, use the online calculator: studentcalculator.org.uk
• List your essential expenditure
• Keep a record on everything you spend and keep track on how often you spend
• Set up standing orders so you know the payments leaving your back account regularly
Plan in advance any extra money you may be spending in a particular month e.g birthdays or other special occasions.
Be sure you have read all the information on a contract before agreeing to it
If you find yourself needing to borrow money, use interest free overdraft
Useful Contacts:
Step change – debt charity. Telephone: 0800 138 1111, website: www.stepchange.org
National debt line. Telephone: 0808 808 4000, website: nationaldebtline.org Student Finance England. Telephone: 0300 100 06 07, website: www.gov.uk/studentfinance Student Loans Company. Website: www.slc.co.uk or www.studentloanrepayment.co.uk