ESA and full time education

[xXMessedUpXx]

After having a chat with my OT she suggested i look into trying to return to some level (most likely college) of full time education. I know part-time courses aren't counted but full time are. I've found some info which suggests that (IR) ESA can be claimed by a full time student as long as they receive DLA. I do but just wondered if anyone can clarify this is definitely the case? If not will look into p/t instead but thought it worth asking (one of my gials for this week).


Also what would the effect on CTB and HB be?

Thanks

[Oldernotwiser]

What level of course (not where you're doing it) are you thinking of doing as the finances will depend on this?

[xXMessedUpXx]

Originally Posted by Oldernotwiser

What level of course (not where you're doing it) are you thinking of doing as the finances will depend on this?

It would be level 3 most likely (and i already have a degree so think that means i can't get ALG?)

[NASA]

If you are in receipt of DLA then I think FTE is ok. I'll see if I can find the relevant part of the DMG.

Could only find this from CPAG:

What does it mean for full-time students?
Full-time students who would have qualified for income support because they had been incapable of work for 28 weeks or more will not have access to income-related ESA on a similar ground; this will only be possible if they get DLA. This will mean people with a long-term illness, but without the care or mobility needs necessary to qualify for DLA, will be unable to get a means-tested benefit if they enter full-time education. Although, in higher education, receipt of the student loan or other student funding would have meant no or greatly reduced entitlement during the academic year, in the summer vacation this income would have been very important. Such income will no longer be available to full-time students without DLA. Similarly students on courses of further education who do not get DLA, and are only eligible for income-related ESA, will not be able to stay on benefit during the course. Under the IS rules a disabled student would usually be able to stay on their income support, whether or not they get DLA, and pursue a course of further education.
In addition, students who are eligible for ESA (contributory or income-related) and found to be in the work-related activity group rather than the support group will, it is expected, be required to attend work-focused health-related assessments and work-focused interviews. It is not known how easy it will be to have these deferred if someone is engaged in full-time education. Further down the line, the Government intends people in the work-related activity group to engage in work-related activity. It remains to be seen whether this will also be required of full-time students.
Part-time students
Part-time students are not subject to any special rules when claiming ESA. They will be eligible for contributory ESA if they have paid enough NI contributions or are eligible under the youth conditions. They can claim income-related ESA if they satisfy the means test; unlike the full-time student rules, there is no requirement that they get DLA.

[DanielleNic87]

Are you under the age of 25?

Danielle

[xXMessedUpXx]

Originally Posted by DanielleNic87

Are you under the age of 25?

Danielle

Yes, i'm 23

[DanielleNic87]

Yes i think you would be entitled under ESA in Youth. So you would be entitled to ESA (IR), are you currently recieving ESA?

[dmg24]

Originally Posted by DanielleNic87

Yes i think you would be entitled under ESA in Youth. So you would be entitled to ESA (IR), are you currently recieving ESA?

There are more criteria than just being under 25. Nonetheless, AFAIK the OP is already in receipt of ESA.

[xXMessedUpXx]

Originally Posted by DanielleNic87

Yes i think you would be entitled under ESA in Youth. So you would be entitled to ESA (IR), are you currently recieving ESA?

Yes currently recieiving ESA and in the support group (with disability premium) and DLA (mid care and low mobility)

[healy]

Originally Posted by DanielleNic87

Yes i think you would be entitled under ESA in Youth. So you would be entitled to ESA (IR), are you currently recieving ESA?

ESA in Youth is not the same as ESA (IR).

[DanielleNic87]

Originally Posted by healy

ESA in Youth is not the same as ESA (IR).

I know,thanks.

But if he satisfies ESA (y) than they can still carry on with ESA (IR) and start full time education providing their are in receipt of DLA.

For ESA (y) you have to get backated medical evidence for the Qualifying Period (196 days).

[NASA]

Originally Posted by DanielleNic87

I know,thanks.

But if he satisfies ESA (y) than they can still carry on with ESA (IR) and start full time education providing their are in receipt of DLA.

For ESA (y) you have to get backated medical evidence for the Qualifying Period (196 days).

If someone is IRO DLA they can claim ESA(IR) anyway.

[Oldernotwiser]

Originally Posted by xXMessedUpXx

It would be level 3 most likely (and i already have a degree so think that means i can't get ALG?)

No, you won't be eligible for ALG as you already have a higher level qualification.

[xXMessedUpXx]

Originally Posted by Oldernotwiser

No, you won't be eligible for ALG as you already have a higher level qualification.

Thought so,

thanks for clarifying ONW

Would i be able to claim DSA?

[healy]

Originally Posted by DanielleNic87

I know,thanks.

But if he satisfies ESA (y) than they can still carry on with ESA (IR) and start full time education providing their are in receipt of DLA.

For ESA (y) you have to get backated medical evidence for the Qualifying Period (196 days).

If it was ESA in youth they were awarded then it would not be ESA (IR) they receive, it would ESA contributions based.

[Garlicbread]

Hi Messed up,

I am 31, and in the support group for ESA. I also get middle rate care DLA but no mobility. I'm doing one year full time MA course. I'm in uni for less than 8 hours a week though, but it's still classed as full time. I also received DSA for this course. Doing this course has given me a whole load more confidence and I'm pretty sure that I'm going to be able to do some level of paid work when I'm done. I think studying is great idea.

BTW if you do the course it's important that you notify a change of circumstances to the benefits people. I sent them a letter and attached a copy of my DSA needs assessment.

Skill is a really useful organisation for advice about this.

Feel free to PM me for more info.

[Oldernotwiser]

Originally Posted by xXMessedUpXx

Thought so,

thanks for clarifying ONW

Would i be able to claim DSA?

I'm pretty sure that DSA is for HE students (level 4 and over) only.