What is a sample check?

Each November, we’ll ask a sample of new students to provide evidence that they’re dependent on the parents or guardians they listed in their original application. Students must provide the evidence we've asked for by 2 December. 

What evidence do we need?

We’ll ask for an original copy of one of the following documents (we will not accept photocopies):

• the most recent Child Benefit letter from the student’s household
• a recently dated official letter addressed to the student (for example, from a bank) showing the student’s home address
• the most recent tax credit award letter from the student’s household 

How can Learning Centres check affected students?

Sign in to the Learning Centre Portal to view the Sample Check report in the Reports tab.

What happens if evidence is not provided?

If students do not supply evidence or fail the sample check, we'll stop future payments and attempt to recover any payments we’ve already made.

What should you do?

Continue confirming attendance on the Learning Centre Portal during the sample check process. This allows us to backdate payments quickly once the students have proven their eligibility.

If a student tells you they’ve not received payments, check that you’ve confirmed their attendance on the Learning Centre Portal. If you have confirmed the attendance, ask the student to contact Student Finance Wales for help.