Have Student Finance Lost my Birth Certificate?
Discussion
Long story short, student finance required me to send a birth certificate in to prove I'm who it says I am on my application form and not a "Wealthy Nigerian Businessman", after they tried to get me to send in my passport which I do not have and have told them so 3 times. Anyway, obviously I'm a bit sceptical sending something this important through Royal Mail, so I get it sent recorded/signed for, so I know they've received it. However, this was 2, nearly 3 weeks ago, and checking online suggests my application for student finance is "still awaiting further information".
I know of the problems they had last year, but surely it doesn't take 3 weeks to look at someone's birth certificate, click one button, and then return it? If they have lost it, then of course I will be furious, but can I expect any sort of reimbursement/compensation? Maybe they're not the words I'm looking for, but you get the idea.
I know of the problems they had last year, but surely it doesn't take 3 weeks to look at someone's birth certificate, click one button, and then return it? If they have lost it, then of course I will be furious, but can I expect any sort of reimbursement/compensation? Maybe they're not the words I'm looking for, but you get the idea.
Hugo a Gogo said:
strange
birth cert is NOT a proof of ID, anyone can send off for one
Exactly, but they requested either a birth certificate or passport. Seeing as I've not got a passport I had no choice, despite them trying to get me to send a passport, and only 3 phone calls explaining I don't have one got them to say "OK, send in your birth certificate". I'll get a passport sooner or later, I think it'll be so much easier.birth cert is NOT a proof of ID, anyone can send off for one
dpbird90 said:
Long story short, student finance required me to send a birth certificate in to prove I'm who it says I am on my application form and not a "Wealthy Nigerian Businessman", after they tried to get me to send in my passport which I do not have and have told them so 3 times. Anyway, obviously I'm a bit sceptical sending something this important through Royal Mail, so I get it sent recorded/signed for, so I know they've received it. However, this was 2, nearly 3 weeks ago, and checking online suggests my application for student finance is "still awaiting further information".
I know of the problems they had last year, but surely it doesn't take 3 weeks to look at someone's birth certificate, click one button, and then return it? If they have lost it, then of course I will be furious, but can I expect any sort of reimbursement/compensation? Maybe they're not the words I'm looking for, but you get the idea.
They are very delayed at the minute. It will show up eventually, if what I have heard is true.I know of the problems they had last year, but surely it doesn't take 3 weeks to look at someone's birth certificate, click one button, and then return it? If they have lost it, then of course I will be furious, but can I expect any sort of reimbursement/compensation? Maybe they're not the words I'm looking for, but you get the idea.
Summertime said:
You can get a replacement birth certificate even though as said above it is not classed as ID.
OK, does it cost to get a replacement? If so am I unreasonable in expecting Student Finance to cough up?Yelly said:
dpbird90 said:
Long story short, student finance required me to send a birth certificate in to prove I'm who it says I am on my application form and not a "Wealthy Nigerian Businessman", after they tried to get me to send in my passport which I do not have and have told them so 3 times. Anyway, obviously I'm a bit sceptical sending something this important through Royal Mail, so I get it sent recorded/signed for, so I know they've received it. However, this was 2, nearly 3 weeks ago, and checking online suggests my application for student finance is "still awaiting further information".
I know of the problems they had last year, but surely it doesn't take 3 weeks to look at someone's birth certificate, click one button, and then return it? If they have lost it, then of course I will be furious, but can I expect any sort of reimbursement/compensation? Maybe they're not the words I'm looking for, but you get the idea.
They are very delayed at the minute. It will show up eventually, if what I have heard is true.I know of the problems they had last year, but surely it doesn't take 3 weeks to look at someone's birth certificate, click one button, and then return it? If they have lost it, then of course I will be furious, but can I expect any sort of reimbursement/compensation? Maybe they're not the words I'm looking for, but you get the idea.
Cotty said:
Could you not have sent a photocopy
Nope, I asked and they specifically asked for the original. Which is annoying, as given their track record they're bound to lose it somewhere along the line, and even if they don't Royal Mail probably do; they'd opened my dad's birthday card when I sent it down, luckily there was nothing in there to take but it is annoying.I sent mine off to them and it was back with me within the week. Well, actually I sent off a high quality colour photocopy and they didn't seem to notice it wasn't original. It might take a while to come back owing to the monumental incompetence of Student Finance, but I'm sure you'll be reunited eventually.
give them a ring, they at least answer the phone now unlike last year
our documents were returned after about 6 weeks
Dealing with them is a complete nightmare, I find their web site / passwords / alias ID / memorable information just to log on frustrating, then when you have to select options of what evidence you`re sending and don`t have any of the options it gets quite trying
our documents were returned after about 6 weeks
Dealing with them is a complete nightmare, I find their web site / passwords / alias ID / memorable information just to log on frustrating, then when you have to select options of what evidence you`re sending and don`t have any of the options it gets quite trying
Hugo a Gogo said:
strange
birth cert is NOT a proof of ID, anyone can send off for one
By law, certain documents are required. From British Citizens, it's either a passport ora Birth Certificate accompanied by your national insurance number. Not proof of identity i admit, but that's what the law asks for, more to prove you're entitled to work/money etc, rather than who you you.birth cert is NOT a proof of ID, anyone can send off for one
I had the exact same problem with those useless morons a while ago. Because I don't have an english passport, and have an irish one instead they wouldn't believe I wasn't some tinker or something so asked me for a birth certificate and a form signed by two people who have know me for over 2 years blah blah blah. Anyway 3 weeks pass and I hear nothing from them, so I ring them (big mistake), after 20 minutes pressing numbers, and waiting I find myself talking to colin, a scottish man who thinks "using first names is lovely and far more personal" 
. Anyway it transpires that they did receive my birth certificate, just haven't processed it yet, despite telling me it was urgent 
.
Then to top it all of, 2 weeks after all that faffing about, I get another email saying they need my birth certificate urgently as it has not been received??? Then two days later I receive it back from them in the post?
I've completely given up on them now, since I tried to phone them to see what was going on and kept being referred to their useless website, as it "contains all the information I need". No it bloody well doesn't, it just says pending??? Just give up, it's too much hassle, I hate them.
. Anyway it transpires that they did receive my birth certificate, just haven't processed it yet, despite telling me it was urgent .Then to top it all of, 2 weeks after all that faffing about, I get another email saying they need my birth certificate urgently as it has not been received??? Then two days later I receive it back from them in the post?
I've completely given up on them now, since I tried to phone them to see what was going on and kept being referred to their useless website, as it "contains all the information I need". No it bloody well doesn't, it just says pending??? Just give up, it's too much hassle, I hate them.
dpbird90 said:
Summertime said:
You can get a replacement birth certificate even though as said above it is not classed as ID.
OK, does it cost to get a replacement? If so am I unreasonable in expecting Student Finance to cough up?Yelly said:
dpbird90 said:
Long story short, student finance required me to send a birth certificate in to prove I'm who it says I am on my application form and not a "Wealthy Nigerian Businessman", after they tried to get me to send in my passport which I do not have and have told them so 3 times. Anyway, obviously I'm a bit sceptical sending something this important through Royal Mail, so I get it sent recorded/signed for, so I know they've received it. However, this was 2, nearly 3 weeks ago, and checking online suggests my application for student finance is "still awaiting further information".
I know of the problems they had last year, but surely it doesn't take 3 weeks to look at someone's birth certificate, click one button, and then return it? If they have lost it, then of course I will be furious, but can I expect any sort of reimbursement/compensation? Maybe they're not the words I'm looking for, but you get the idea.
They are very delayed at the minute. It will show up eventually, if what I have heard is true.I know of the problems they had last year, but surely it doesn't take 3 weeks to look at someone's birth certificate, click one button, and then return it? If they have lost it, then of course I will be furious, but can I expect any sort of reimbursement/compensation? Maybe they're not the words I'm looking for, but you get the idea.
dpbird90 said:
Summertime said:
You can get a replacement birth certificate even though as said above it is not classed as ID.
OK, does it cost to get a replacement? If so am I unreasonable in expecting Student Finance to cough up?petrolveins said:
I had the exact same problem with those useless morons a while ago. Because I don't have an english passport, and have an irish one instead they wouldn't believe I wasn't some tinker or something so asked me for a birth certificate and a form signed by two people who have know me for over 2 years blah blah blah. Anyway 3 weeks pass and I hear nothing from them, so I ring them (big mistake), after 20 minutes pressing numbers, and waiting I find myself talking to colin, a scottish man who thinks "using first names is lovely and far more personal" . Anyway it transpires that they did receive my birth certificate, just haven't processed it yet, despite telling me it was urgent .
Then to top it all of, 2 weeks after all that faffing about, I get another email saying they need my birth certificate urgently as it has not been received??? Then two days later I receive it back from them in the post?
I've completely given up on them now, since I tried to phone them to see what was going on and kept being referred to their useless website, as it "contains all the information I need". No it bloody well doesn't, it just says pending??? Just give up, it's too much hassle, I hate them.
Yes, those are my experiences too, one of my daughters now in her second year is dealt with by local authority, one form + earnings evidence = loans sorted within a week. Anyway it transpires that they did receive my birth certificate, just haven't processed it yet, despite telling me it was urgent .Then to top it all of, 2 weeks after all that faffing about, I get another email saying they need my birth certificate urgently as it has not been received??? Then two days later I receive it back from them in the post?
I've completely given up on them now, since I tried to phone them to see what was going on and kept being referred to their useless website, as it "contains all the information I need". No it bloody well doesn't, it just says pending??? Just give up, it's too much hassle, I hate them.
Other daughter in first year, registered her in march, several phone calls to chase and confirm what evidence to send / evidence and covering letters sent twice / all info inputted on line then they sent me forms to fill in plus all the evidence to be sent again.....but we`re getting there....I will not be beaten by beaurocracy
When a birth is registered you are given the option of a having just the basic certificate or an additional elaborate one with extra details.
If your parents opted for the deluxe version then they received two certificates. Ask them if they did this. If they did then they already have a spare birth certificate for you.
When I sent my children to University they took the basic birth certificates with them and left the others in my safe. That way if someone screws up another version can be produced instantly. Never send anyone the original deluxe certificate. Let them have the basic one.
Apply for a couple of spares of every important document that you can. For example, you can hold multiple passports. Visas can take a long time to obtain. Your passport can be away for a long time whilst a visa is obtained and you need a spare to travel whilst it is out of your possession.
Some countries give you a hard time if you have been to another country that they are hostile to. Visa’s or entry stamps in your passport from one country will guarantee a rubber glove search in some others. To avoid this, our Passport authority will allow multiple passports.
You can exploit this to your advantage. Have at least two current passports. Keep one safely where someone else can access it. Then if you are overseas and lose a passport, the spare can be accessed swiftly by someone trusted and quickly made available to you.
If your parents opted for the deluxe version then they received two certificates. Ask them if they did this. If they did then they already have a spare birth certificate for you.
When I sent my children to University they took the basic birth certificates with them and left the others in my safe. That way if someone screws up another version can be produced instantly. Never send anyone the original deluxe certificate. Let them have the basic one.
Apply for a couple of spares of every important document that you can. For example, you can hold multiple passports. Visas can take a long time to obtain. Your passport can be away for a long time whilst a visa is obtained and you need a spare to travel whilst it is out of your possession.
Some countries give you a hard time if you have been to another country that they are hostile to. Visa’s or entry stamps in your passport from one country will guarantee a rubber glove search in some others. To avoid this, our Passport authority will allow multiple passports.
You can exploit this to your advantage. Have at least two current passports. Keep one safely where someone else can access it. Then if you are overseas and lose a passport, the spare can be accessed swiftly by someone trusted and quickly made available to you.
Uncle Fester said:
When a birth is registered you are given the option of a having just the basic certificate or an additional elaborate one with extra details.
If your parents opted for the deluxe version then they received two certificates. Ask them if they did this. If they did then they already have a spare birth certificate for you.
When I sent my children to University they took the basic birth certificates with them and left the others in my safe. That way if someone screws up another version can be produced instantly. Never send anyone the original deluxe certificate. Let them have the basic one.
Apply for a couple of spares of every important document that you can. For example, you can hold multiple passports. Visas can take a long time to obtain. Your passport can be away for a long time whilst a visa is obtained and you need a spare to travel whilst it is out of your possession.
Some countries give you a hard time if you have been to another country that they are hostile to. Visa’s or entry stamps in your passport from one country will guarantee a rubber glove search in some others. To avoid this, our Passport authority will allow multiple passports.
You can exploit this to your advantage. Have at least two current passports. Keep one safely where someone else can access it. Then if you are overseas and lose a passport, the spare can be accessed swiftly by someone trusted and quickly made available to you.
Yep, I have the deluxe one in dad's safe at home which not even I know the combination to. I had no hope with ringing them today, forgot it was a bank holiday, I'll ring up and try to get somewhere tomorrow. As I mentioned, I know for sure they got it, so any disappearance is now down to them. Thing is, they know who I am, and that I am entitled to student loans as I sent it off last year and they've given me all the money I was due this year. I'm still the same person, still at the same university, with the money due to go in exactly the same bank account, so unless I've changed my name to Osama bin dpbird90, then why should they not just sort it out from what info they have?If your parents opted for the deluxe version then they received two certificates. Ask them if they did this. If they did then they already have a spare birth certificate for you.
When I sent my children to University they took the basic birth certificates with them and left the others in my safe. That way if someone screws up another version can be produced instantly. Never send anyone the original deluxe certificate. Let them have the basic one.
Apply for a couple of spares of every important document that you can. For example, you can hold multiple passports. Visas can take a long time to obtain. Your passport can be away for a long time whilst a visa is obtained and you need a spare to travel whilst it is out of your possession.
Some countries give you a hard time if you have been to another country that they are hostile to. Visa’s or entry stamps in your passport from one country will guarantee a rubber glove search in some others. To avoid this, our Passport authority will allow multiple passports.
You can exploit this to your advantage. Have at least two current passports. Keep one safely where someone else can access it. Then if you are overseas and lose a passport, the spare can be accessed swiftly by someone trusted and quickly made available to you.
Uncle Fester said:
When a birth is registered you are given the option of a having just the basic certificate or an additional elaborate one with extra details.
If your parents opted for the deluxe version then they received two certificates. Ask them if they did this. If they did then they already have a spare birth certificate for you.
When I sent my children to University they took the basic birth certificates with them and left the others in my safe. That way if someone screws up another version can be produced instantly. Never send anyone the original deluxe certificate. Let them have the basic one.
Good logic, but back to my previous point, sometimes the big one needs to be seen. For legal reasons, all employers must see a Passport or full birth certificate with both parents names on it, so the small one is no good for this. The smaller than A4 but bigger than A5 one with one parents name on it is also acceptable...If your parents opted for the deluxe version then they received two certificates. Ask them if they did this. If they did then they already have a spare birth certificate for you.
When I sent my children to University they took the basic birth certificates with them and left the others in my safe. That way if someone screws up another version can be produced instantly. Never send anyone the original deluxe certificate. Let them have the basic one.
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