According to statistics from CSN, the number who are still waiting to be notified of study grants is 40 percent more than the same period last year.
But according to Klas Elfving, press officer at CSN, the cases are still handled at a good pace.
- Among those who have filled in their application correctly, eight out of ten will receive a message within a week.
For those who have needed to complete their applications or made various changes, the waiting time is a little longer than usual.
This is a consequence of the corona pandemic, as there are many more applications than in normal cases.
Klas Eflving explains that the applications are read automatically in cases where the applications are error-free and that they are then approved or rejected automatically.
If information is incorrect or missing, however, an administrator must investigate the case.
In those cases, the waiting times are now longer than normal.
"There is nothing more we can do"
- It may differ from case to case, but it takes approximately between four and six weeks, says Elfving.
He explains that CSN has been prepared for an autumn with an unusual number of applications and that it has therefore been possible to prevent a pressured situation.
Despite this, the staff has been expanded with 60 new administrators.
- We have taken a number of measures to handle the situation.
That is why we have, among other things, hired more people who will be able to support borrowers and answer questions.
We saw that this was going on and are prepared.
What should you do if you are waiting for study grants and have no income?
- There is nothing we can do.
It is up to each student to find a solution.
Many are supported by relatives.
What is different this year is that we have removed the tax-free amount for work, which means that you can earn any amount and at the same time be entitled to study grants.
I understand that not everyone has the opportunity to take a job, but we can not do more.