Published: 24 August 2021 · Last updated: 23 August 2021

Helping students get their first student finance payment


It’s important you help students know what to do to get their first student finance payment on time.

Students should follow these steps to make sure they get paid on time:

  1. Make sure they’ve submitted their application and provided any evidence we need. They can sign in to their online account and check their ‘to-do list’ is complete. If their ‘to-do list’ isn't showing, this means they have no actions.
  2. Check their bank details are correct on their online account. If they need to update them, they should make sure they do this at least 4 days before their payment date.
  3. Register on their course. We cannot make payments to them until their uni or college confirm that that’ve registered. If they haven’t already, they should register as soon as possible.

Visit our payment page or watch our 'getting paid' film for more information.

Getting paid - 2021 to 2022

Before the start of term you’ll want to make sure that you get your money on time. Watch our video to find out more.

If they applied late

If students are applying now, they should still receive some money near the start of their course, as long as they’ve provided any evidence we need and their application is approved.

Because they’re applying late, they may receive a smaller payment to begin with.

Advise student to make sure their parent(s) or partner have provided their income details so we can re-assess their entitlement and top up their first payment as soon as possible.

Consent to share

Some students may find it difficult to deal with their student finance application, you should encourage them to set up ‘consent to share’ on their account. They can call us to give permission for a HEP practitioner to call on their behalf and help them deal with any student finance related issues they’re having.

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