Key Summary
FAQs
Can you get student finance if you aren't living with a parent?
Yes. Whether you've simply moved out for university or aren't in contact with your family at all, you're still eligible for both a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan. How much you get depends on your living arrangements and, in most cases, your household income.
What is estrangement status and how do I apply for it?
Estrangement status applies if you've permanently lost contact with your parents for serious reasons, and it means your loan is assessed on your own circumstances rather than your parents' income. You'll usually need a Confirmation of Estrangement form, supported by evidence like a letter from a social worker, doctor, teacher or another professional who's aware of your situation.
Am I eligible for estrangement status if I just don't get on with my parents?
No, being on bad terms with your parents isn't enough on its own, since student finance is looking for a genuine, permanent breakdown in contact. If you're struggling to gather evidence, your university's student services team can usually guide you through the process.
What is independent status and how is it different from estrangement?
Independent status covers a range of situations, including being over 25, having no living parents, being a care leaver, being married, having a child, or having supported yourself financially for three years or more. Like estrangement, it means your loan is calculated on your own financial situation rather than your parents' income.
How much maintenance loan can I get if I'm living away from home?
For 2026/27, the maximum is £14,135 if you're living away from home in London, or £10,830 if you're living away from home outside London. The exact amount still depends on your income, your own if you're independent or estranged, or your household income if not.
What extra financial support is available if I don't have family support?
University hardship funds are worth exploring, since explaining your situation is often enough to be considered. Charities like Turn2Us also help match students to grants and bursaries beyond the standard student finance system.
What if I can't get formal evidence for estrangement or independent status?
Contact your university's student support or welfare team, since they deal with these situations regularly and can help you gather appropriate evidence or advise on alternative next steps. You can also contact the Student Loans Company directly to talk through your specific circumstances.
Does applying without parental involvement change how I get repayment?
No, repayment works exactly the same regardless of your living situation or how your loan was assessed. You start repaying once you're earning above the relevant threshold, at the same rate as any other graduate on your repayment plan.
Yes, you can absolutely get student finance even if you’re not living with a parent. Whether you’ve moved out for university or are no longer in contact with your family, you’re still eligible for both tuition and maintenance loans, with the exact amount depending on your living arrangements and household income. If you’re considered independent or estranged, you’ll be assessed on your own financial situation, not your parents’. For students in these situations, additional support like grants or hardship funds may also be available. You can learn more about estrangement status on the official eligibility page or check out our guide on how parental income affects student loans.
Applying for estrangement status
Remember you must have proof of your estrangement from your parents to meet the criteria. A confirmation of Estrangement form is the best way to verify your situation to student finance. Alternatively, a note from your social worker, doctor or significant person in your community aware of you predicament will be accepted. A letter from a teacher or a police report evidencing your estrangement can help your case.
Applying for estrangement status is serious claim and so you will only be accepted with suitable evidence. You are not eligible solely because you are not on good terms with your parents. You are not eligible if your parents don’t support you financially and are not living with you.
If all else fails contact your student services to assist you with your application. Check your institution’s website for details!
Apply for independent status
There are a number of factors that you need to take into account when applying for independent status.
Here’s the criteria:
- You are over 25 when you course starts
- You are a care leaver and have been under local authority care
- Both of your parents have passed away
- Your parents are debilitated by mental or physical ailments which inhibits your ability to contact them
- You have been married before starting your course
- If you have a child or somebody reliant on you under 18 (dependent)
- You have been providing for yourself for three yours of more through employment or government assistance
- Unable to get into contact with your parent or can’t due to safety reasons
- Have been estranged from your parents for a year, adoptive or otherwise.
When you gain independent status your student loan will be calculated according to your own savings.
Applying for additional funds
Most students will be able to relate to having their parents support them financially while studying. It’s easy to lose money at university from social events, your daily cost of living to even buying books and resources for study.
This is where hardship funds come in. Explaining your situation should be sufficient to make you eligible for funding.
National charity Turn2Us can help you find grants and bursaries!
We hope this article has helped you feel more confident about the student finance process.If you still feel unsure about receiving student finance if you aren’t living with a parent please click here to talk to a professional!
Want to know more about student finance? What you’re eligible for? Check out this article
Everybody deserves to go to university. No matter their circumstance. Fortunately students can afford to attend university and receive student finance. It doesn’t matter if you aren’t living with a parent.
As the time for applications to university draw closer, keep in mind that nothing is out of your reach!