By Jen Kaiser
With rising tuition costs, sometimes loans will not cover everything.
Lying or stretching the truth, students are going to some creative measures to squeeze that extra buck out of Alberta Student Finance.
Basic information about where you live, which would seem to be pretty cut and dry, is only the beginning for some students.
"I used my mom’s friend’s address my first year because I could not get one while I still lived at home since my parents make too much money," explained Stephanie, a third-year psychology major and student loan veteran.
Students also lie about material possessions. Loan officials decided a $5,000 car is more than sufficient for a student, causing many to lie about the worth or existence of their vehicle. Marcia, a student honest enough to tell them the true cost of her vehicle paid the price.
"They told me they would give me about $200-300 [per month]," said Marcia. "I ended up appealing it, which delays everything, and I did get more, but appeals suck because everything you say, you need to have receipts for."
Admitting you have a vehicle does have bonuses, as you can claim gas and insurance costs, even if you don’t pay them.
Students’ estimated expenses, however, remain the most common lie on student loan applications.
"I just know you should always ask for more than you need," explained Dana, a third-year nursing student. "Maybe that way you’ll actually get enough."
And as for required parental contributions, Melanie, a third-year social work student, has it figured out.
"The more your parents sound like bastards towards helping you for education, the better," she explained. "I got my parents to write a letter saying my education was my responsibility and they did not feel they should have to pay."
However, lies do have repercussions. Namely, the ever-feared audit.
According to Katrina Bluetchen, spokesperson for Alberta Learning, about five per cent of students are audited. But, possibly many students’ lies go undetected.
"We don’t really have a problem with students lying on their applications," said Bluetchen. "About 65 per cent of loans are problem free."
For the most part, though, students are just audited, and the process isn’t as evil as you would believe. Students receive notification of the audit. Bluetchen advises not to ignore the letter because funding can be frozen.
"We deal with students on a case-by-case basis. A lot of the time it is due to a misunderstanding on the application, and we look at nature of the issue and how cooperative the student has been," said Bluetchen. "We want students to be able to finish their programs."
All audits can be appealed, but overpayments will need to be paid back, once found.
Students’ Union President Jayna Gilchrist believes a student loan may not provide enough money for students to lead healthy lives and do well in school.
"If [lying] means survival, to have food and shelter, I agree," she said.
With or without lies, students can appeal anything from an underpayment to a complete denial of a loan. Melanie advises to keep appealing.
"Don’t give up on the second appeal, go for the third and the fourth," said Melanie. "Actually, what I had to do this year, and my first year, because I kept getting turned down, was harass my MLA. So if all else fails, call his office everyday, just annoy the hell out of him until he pulls a few strings for you."