Benefits entitled to?????

dmg24

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

OK, that's interesting. So are you saying that someone can get full time student funding (loans etc) for studying 120 credits with the OU? I don't think it's changed that much.

I don't know, and obviously the regulations surrounding student loans are not related to those surrounding benefits.

I do know of someone that has been granted a council tax exemption whilst studying towards 120 points on an OU course, although she did have to provide specific evidence of how much she was studying.

My understanding is that the JCP are looking at claims on a case by case basis now, rather than just making a blanket rule. I suppose it is because there are now so many more people choosing to study by distance learning.

mum2one

Are you sure you got your hrs right, 40 hours on 90 points does seem a lot, usually 30 points - 6 to 8 hrs, 60 points 10 to 12 hours, I did 2 x 30 points, 1 x 60 points in level 1 in one yr, and I was def not spending 40 hours a week studying.
The thing with JSA is you need to be able to be available for work, so maybe just do a 60 point course so you are still studying but still aailable.

mum2one

LadyMorticia wrote: »

This is what it says on the OU website:

• 10-point course: 6 to 8 hours a week for 20 weeks
• 30-point course: 16 hours a week for 6 months
• 30-point course: 8 hours a week for 9 months
• 60-point course: 16 hours a week for 9 months

I can't find 90 or 120 point average hours but I'll have a bit more of a rummage on the site. I realize that the above info will most likely be of common knowledge to you though, as you are a fountain of knowledge.

Coincidentally I was looking at it earlier as I want to do an OU course but even though people keep reassuring me that my income support/DLA won't be taken off of me because I'm ill, I'm terrified that they will be if I decided to do an OU course.

if its any help I did 120 points (2 x 30, 1 x 60) in a year, and it didnt affect my Income Support, I was even entitled to £250 student grant, as that does not affect your income support.

ukdickie31

Can I just add ..

Regardless of the hours of study, a Jobseeker still has to confirm availibility and actively seeking employment. In the case of study, if the study overlaps with the hours of potential employment, then the Jobseeker has to be prepared to give up the study and take the employment.

Jobseekers are normally expected to look for full time jobs (40 hours per week) and the Job goals have to be realistic in the labour market.

So even though the course may be allowable, the Jobcentre may still raise doubts on actively seeking if they local labour market and job goals don't match.

LadyMorticia

mum2one wrote: »

if its any help I did 120 points (2 x 30, 1 x 60) in a year, and it didnt affect my Income Support, I was even entitled to £250 student grant, as that does not affect your income support.

Thanks. Part of my illness means that I worry about absolutely everything - far more than the norm lol.

I emailed job centre plus to enquire about it but I don't think I'll get a reply as none of my other emails have ever been replied to. I realize that they are busy though so I'll try to phone them tomorrow. I really want to do an OU course as I like to keep my brain active and I also think it may make my mental health stabilize.

xx

mum2one

if its any help when you apply for the OU course, you have to get the funding approved, usually getting someone from the DHSS / Job Centre plus to sign the paperwork. Sorry to ask are you on JSA or Income Support, just if JSA are you on weekly or fortnightly interviews with the DHSS, then mention it then, if Income Support (I'm on) I applied for the course, got the DHSS to sign the paperwork for the financial award and then just photo copied the letters from the OU and sent them off.
I worry about everthing to, but sometimes you have to just say right 5 mins worrying if not sorted by then, I'll come back to it. I know its easier said thah done. What courses are you looking at doing at the Ou.

LadyMorticia

Thanks mum2one. I'm on income support and DLA.

I'm not entirely sure what I want to do yet as I'm so indecisive but I'm looking primarily into either religious studies or psychology.

xx

mouseymousey99

Hello - Hope this will help someone else too. I've explained on another thread I am finishing one degree this year & start an LLB next year.
I called Natwest today - if you are an OU student with p/work as proof etc you are entitled to the Natwest Student account (with all the goodies that come with it).