CASHPOINT ISSUE II
SUMMER 2012
A TERMLY NEWSLETTER GIVING FINANCIAL INFORMATION, UPDATES, HINTS AND TIPS TO UNIVERSITY OF READING STUDENTS
FINALISTS… Did you know? UK residents can apply for Housing Benefit to help with rent, Council Tax benefit and Job Seekers Allowance of at least £56.35 per week for living costs once their studies are completed. For more details, and to apply online, go to the directgov website.
Students become liable to pay Council Tax once their studies are completed. Finalists with a student loan are not expected to start repaying until April 2013 and if earning more than £21,000 pa. You can choose to make early repayments.
FREE THINGS TO DO IN READING With the lovely sunny weather coming, socialising and going out can become a lot cheaper. There are some wonderful places to go in and around Reading free.
cessible by bus, train or foot include: Forbury Gardens, Henley, Maple Durham, Caversham Court, Kings Meadows, Harris Gardens, and Pangbourne.
Think picnics, BBQ’s, summer walks. Fantastic picnic spots ac-
Just search online for directions and get out and about this summer..
KIT OUT YOUR NEW HOUSE FOR FREE The website Freecycle prevents perfectly good items from ending up in landfills by giving them to those who need them. It is easy to use and you can gain all sorts from furniture, children’s toys to garden equipment. Just sign up to your local group and
off you go. Don’t forget to give back through Freecycle too. http:// uk.freecycle.org. Look out for information on RUSU’s own freecycling at the end of the summer term.
Want to work over summer? Bar work, shop work, and restaurant work are the traditional jobs for students but also consider signing up for agency work, call centres and more unusual things such as online surveys, being a steward for events, or completing market research.
If you only work in holiday time you could ask your employer to complete a P38(S) form to declare you’re a student. This means tax will not be taken from your wage. You will however have to pay National Insurance on your earnings over £107 per week.
GET PAID TO EAT ON CAMPUS Sensory Dimensions on Reading University Campus test food and drink for companies. They are always after new testers on their database. They normally pay £10 an hour for testers to eat samples and give their feedback. To join their database call 0118 935 7037 or
email testing@sensory dimensions.com RSSL, also on campus, require people on their database to test cosmetics and toiletries, this is paid at an average of £5 a visit. Contact Dawn on 0118 918 4183 or email clinical.science@ rssl.com to register.
TV licence refund If you have paid for an annual TV licence up front and will have 3 full months left at the end of the academic year you can apply for a refund providing the TV will not be used at all before the licence expires. Go to www.tvlicensing. co.uk and fill out the application form for a refund.
TIPS TO ENSURE THE RETURN OF YOUR HOUSING DEPOSIT • Make sure you leave the house and garden clean and tidy (don’t forget the insides of the fridge, freezer, oven and microwave) • Remove all rubbish • Move furniture to original positions • Return all keys • Take photographs and an inventory when you leave • Do not miss your moving out inventory if your landlord or agency have arranged one or you may be charged • If you need to leave personal items in the property get agreement in writing If you do not receive all you money back and think it is unfair contact the scheme your deposit is protected with or come and see an advisor at the Hub
CASHPOINT
ISSUE II
SUMMER 2012
PRODUCED BY RUSU MONEY DOCTORS: PART OF THE RUSU STUDENT ADVICE TEAM
IMPORTANT DWP BENEFIT INFORMATION FOR STUDENT PARENTS Your student funding is not meant to cover the summer holidays. Some student are entitled to welfare benefits. Here is a guide to money you may be able to claim. If you would like any help pop in and see a Money Doctor at the Students’ Union *Ask for a re-assessment of Housing Benefit as reduced income may give an increase in benefit; this will return back to current payments on 01/09/12
Income Support Lone Parent with child 6 or under
Job Seekers Housing Allowance Benefit
Summer Hardship Fund
Yes 2/07 to 1/09
No
Yes*
Yes
No
Yes 02/07 to 01/09
Yes*
Yes
No
Yes – one partner if the other is not working
Lone parent with child over 6 and under 16 Student Couple with child under 16
Yes*
Yes
Dressing up: Is it worth it? Jenny Keefe, senior writer at www.MoneySavingExpert.com, advises working out the cost per wear when clothes shopping. If you are likely to wear a £30
top once a week, that’s 57p a wear. A £50 dress for the Summer Ball that won’t make it out your wardrobe again – is it worth it?
This will affect your student funding. See the table below for details. Student Funding from SFE
Hardship Fund
Welfare Benefits
Yes - limited
Yes, it may be able to help
Once recovered from illness and awaiting to return to course, students are eligible for Housing Benefit and Job Seekers Allowance
Generally no, but seek advice
No, students are advised to look for employment
(For 60 days after suspension date) Further funding may be agreed in special circumstances. Seek advice
Suspending for academic reasons
No
Don’t buy bottled drinks this summer. Refilling bottles with tap water saves an average 45p per litre. It is safe, healthier and better for the environment. We have a limited amount of free money saving bottles available in The Hub, just ask at the RUSU reception.
Free Money Advice The RUSU Student Advice Team offer are trained professionals, offering confidential and independent information and advice to all students. Contact us by email at: stu.adv@reading.ac.uk or come to a drop-in session:
THINKING OF SUSPENDING YOUR STUDIES?
Suspending because of health or caring responsibilities
Drink more, spend less
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays 10.00am – 12.45pm Wednesdays 2.00pm – 4.30pm We are open through the Summer holidays.