Unfiltered Story #364266

(I am studying abroad in the UK, and have a few loans to cover tuition and living expenses — food and transportation, etc. The first time the money came through, I picked up a cheque and signed a form to have the amount direct deposited in my bank account. This happens the second disbursement).

Worker: “Hello, you okay?”

Me: “Fine, thanks. I got the email that said my disbursement cheque was ready to be picked up, but I turned in my direct deposit form.”

Worker: “Okay, let me go grab your cheque and ask about your form.”

(I give her my university information, and she goes to the back and reappears with the cheque).

Worker: “Here you go. I checked on your form. They said that they had gotten pretty backed up and hadn’t gotten to it in time. Next time, it should be direct deposited.”

Me: “Okay, thanks! Great.”

(The third disbursement comes around, and, since I have a small break between a meeting and class, I decide to check if the form has been processed).

Worker #2: “Hey, you okay?”

Me: “I’m fine, thanks. So at the end of last year I turned in my direct deposit form and was told that they were backed up and hadn’t authorized my form yet. Is there anyway you can check on that?”

Worker #2: “Oh, you’ll want the financial department. Their drop in hours are at half 2, so if you come back in fifteen minutes they’ll be able to help.”

Me: *wondering why she can’t go to the back and ask like the previous women* “Okay. Thanks, then.”

(I wander off and do some quick reading for class and go back, put my name on a list and wait 25 minutes before having to go to class. I apologize for the inconvenience, and go to class. I get an email saying the cheque is ready for pickup, so I head back to the office).

Worker #3: “Hello, you okay?”

Me: “Yeah, thanks. So, I just got the email saying my cheque was ready for pick up.”

Worker #3: *consulting a form* “It can be about 2 weeks after that email for it to be ready to pick up.”

Me: “Oh, that’s fine. I just want to know if my direct deposit form was authorised so it will go to my bank account, or if I have to come pick up the physical cheque.”

Worker #3: “I can do that.”

Me: “Thanks!”

(I give him my university information and he disappears into the back. After a moment he reappears with some papers).

Worker #3: “I’ve got it!”

(He hands me the cheque and the paperwork to sign for it. I sign and fold up the cheque, putting it in my pocket).

Me: “Thanks, but did you check on my direct deposit form, so I know for next time whether or not I have to come pick up the physical cheque.”

Worker #3: “Let me go ask.”

(He disappears and reappears again).

Worker #3: “They said that’s all of it, but if anymore comes through, you’ll have to come back to get the cheque.”

Me: *officially giving up* “Okay, thanks. Bye.”

(I left. I still don’t know if my form has been authorised).