MEDIACOM-RELEASE-WINZ
STUDENTS MAY LEAVE IT TOO LATE
Students expecting financial assistance from the Department of Work and Income must get their applications for student
loans in quick smart if they expect to be paid by the time they are studying, Lorraine Williams, Student Services
Manager said today.
"It is possible many more people may want to take out a student loan as a result of changes announced by the Government
prior to Christmas in regard to interest on student loans. However those wanting to take out a student loan have to
realise it takes the department at least three weeks to process a loan application," Mrs Williams said.
To accommodate the increase in calls about student loans the department has extended its call centre operating hours to
include Sundays. This means the call centre is open seven days a week - Saturday and Sundays between 8 am and 5pm and
weekdays from 7 am to 9pm. "We are inundated with calls during peak hours but not between 7am - 9am and 6pm- 9pm and
during the weekend. I would urge students to contact the department about loans during off-peak times. If students take
responsibility for organising their student loan now they shouldn't have to face situations of hardship," Mrs Williams
said. ENDS...