College Course Help!!!!

Mummyboo

Hi I am a newbie so not sure if posting in the right place I would like to do a colleege course next year. I am currently on benefits but want to better myself does anyone know if I am entitled to any help with costs e.t.c??

I currently claim

IS, IB, DLA


Please note that I am genuinely trying to better myself and do not need people to attack me!!!!

lynzpower

hi mummy boo

I think it saw a simlar thread on the students board, you might want to look there and see.

I know if you are on benefits, you can get fiancial contribution towards open university. ( from the OU themselves)

In a local authority i used to live in the council did special rates for low income people like yourself, and 13 week short courses ( evenings, but some in the day) were 15 quid for the whole course ( i paid 35 as I was working) however, that I feel was quite generous.

Check your local college as often they can give grants.

bestpud

Welcome to mse Mummyboo!

What qualifications do you have already, as that makes a difference to the cost of studying in FE?

And what sort of course were you looking to do?

I'm not sure if you'd be better off on the student board or benefits board, as you are asking about your benefits while studying as well, I assume? The board guides will move your post anyway if they think it is better off elsewhere.

Murdina

If it is a full time course you may be able to get a reduction on your council tax (though may be that is already dealt with with your benefits). Check with the institution running the course as they have to give you a cert (at least mine did)

smithyjules

Head straight for the college information desk and ask away-you've lost nothing and could get lots of help. If i remember our local college has 3 prices for courses full price, reduction for benefits, and another one but i can't remember what that was for. Def a heavy reduction for certain benefits.

Also a point to note is that if you don't have GCSE's or a Qualification to that level you can do level 2 courses like literacy, numeracy and computing free anyway. Not sure of your circumstances so not meaning to make assumptions just provide info.

FairyElephant_2

Hiya,

The Open University offers lots of help with fees if on benefits - there is a section on their website about it (I work, so didn't qualify, so sorry I didn't note all the details). If you give them a ring their advisors are always really nice and helpful too.

Good luck,

FE

Baybee1984

I know the colleges local to me offer a reduction if on benefits, only on fulltime courses.

It should give you this info in the prospectus and/or online. Do you know what kind of course you'd like to do? Search online for your local colleges and it should give you the info on there.

And good luck!

Mummyboo

Hi thanks for all your replies I have GCSE's And 2 AS Levels (half of an A level) But stopped studying when I had my boys. Since then I have suffered with extreme depression and am trying to get myself out of this.

My main concern is will I still receive the benefits I receive now if I go back to college? I have no other help and my partner currently cares for me and my family fulltime.

bestpud

Are you under 25? If so you woudn't need to pay for tuition on most level three courses (as I understand it).

If you are over 25 it is only up to level two, which you have passed already if you have five or more (I think?)

I'm not sure about your benefits tbh but someone else on here will likely know more.

notenoughcash

Hi mummyboo

First of all congratulations on deciding to do this, that's the biggest step out of the way.

I was in a similar situation to you, although I'd been in a dead-end desk job until I had a couple of years out when I had my second son. Both boys went full-time at school and I completely changed career paths having had some space to think it over and knowing where I wanted to be.

The problem was that I couldn't get the job I want without qualifications or experience. I found the best option for me was to remain on benefits short-term, meaning my college course was free, and it also left me time to work 2 full days voluntary to also gain my experience. I was completely honest and up-front about it all to the benefits people and they have been great with helping me with who to contact etc.

Do you have to go for interviews at benefits section? Maybe you could tell them where you're at and what you're thinking and they may be able to point you in right direction.

Another positive thing that came out of it was how much my confidence grew after being stuck in 'mummy-land' for so long!

Good luck any way x x