Is this true about housing benefit and students

folkestonelisa

Had a bit of a shock today as ive had a letter from my housing association informing me that im behind with my rent as housing benefit has stopped.
Phoned up the council and they informed me that even though the course doesnt start untill today they stop benefit for students from the 1st september.
How can this be.
I dont get an loan until today.:mad:

Can anyone confirm that this is true, but i suppose it must be as its what they have said. So peeded off that im behind with my rent as ive never been behind:mad:

[Deleted User]

This is true I'm afraid. Your student income is deemed to start on 1st Sept whether you are on the course by then or not. Once you enrol, you should be able to apply to the Access to Learning Fund if you are in hardship.

Link here http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=179491

cardiffforthefacup

You may still be allowed a certain amount of HB if you are deemed vulnerable, eg, lone parent etc.

Flower08

Unfortunatly is true because the same happened to my OH and I. Rediculous i know, in my opinion student loan shouldnt be classed as an income until it is received, not over 3 weeks before!

sixblade

or for me.. about 6 weeks before, since my course starts 13th oct!

Flower08

sixblade wrote: »

or for me.. about 6 weeks before, since my course starts 13th oct!

Surely you should still get it in september then? When i queried our application they told me they do it based on the month you start university.

For example if i start end of september - the housing benefit stops on first of september.
If i start october then it stops on the first of october.

I would query that if i were you, because i certainly know thats what our local council told us.

Blacksheep1979

That would be a little unfair on others who had received a months less benefits but were receiving the same student loan - I bet those whose courses don't start till Oct are equally happy using all the benefits of being a student...

Flower08

But when you dont receive your student loan until 29th september, your OH is on a low income and should be entitled to housing benefit which is stopped on the 1st september, not really much of a benefit?