Student Loan
Refund Checker
Think SLC or HMRC took too much? Check the main refund routes in a few minutes and get a ready-to-send request.
Refund Triggers
Checks the main refund routes: below-threshold deductions, wrong plan coding, early repayments, and payments after clearance.
Plan Aware
Covers Plan 1, Plan 2, Plan 4, and postgraduate loans using current repayment thresholds.
Action Ready
Gives you the right next step for SLC or HMRC plus a copyable refund request you can send today.
Student Loan Refund Checker
Check the biggest refund triggers for Plan 1, Plan 2, Plan 4, and postgraduate loans using the current 2025/26 thresholds.
Current annual threshold: —
Use gross annual income before tax and deductions.
Tick any of these if they happened
2025/26 Annual Thresholds
When Refunds Usually Happen
- Your annual income ended up below the repayment threshold.
- Payroll used the wrong repayment plan.
- Deductions started before you were due to repay.
- Repayments carried on after the balance was cleared.
Common Questions
Can I get a refund if my payslip deductions were right each month?
Yes. Student loan deductions can be correct per payslip but still refundable once your total annual income is checked against the yearly threshold.
What if my employer put me on the wrong repayment plan?
That is one of the most common student loan refund scenarios. Ask the Student Loans Company to review the deductions and ask payroll which plan code they submitted.
Who do I contact if the issue came through Self Assessment?
Start with HMRC's Self Assessment team, because they handle the balancing payment side. They may need to confirm the student loan element with SLC before a refund is released.
What if deductions continued after I cleared the balance?
That is a strong refund trigger. Gather the clearance date, your payslips, and your SLC account evidence, then ask for a refund review straight away.
Important
This tool is an educational checker, not regulated financial advice. Use it to spot refund triggers and build your evidence.
If deductions look wrong, ask for a review. Do not assume payroll or SLC got it right just because money came out automatically.
Still Getting Fobbed Off?
Turn the refund issue into a proper complaint and keep a paper trail if SLC or HMRC drags its feet.