Further education whilst claiming JSA

Jobless_Katie

Hi, I've just been made redundant from a well known bank and have been horried at the lack of help I've received from the Job Centre, everything seems to be somebody elses job with no help on how to find out the info!. I was interested in retraining but have not found anyone to help with advice on funding further education courses. Will I have to pay for these myself and if so what benefits would I be able to claim to live on if any? Any ideas?

jumpycheese1

Most courses are free or pay very little. I was in 2 minds on doing a part time college course, but didn't go ahead with it for various reasons. For example my course would have been £695 for 2 years - I would just have paid £20 or £25. But, there are some courses that do not give discounts for those on benefits.

Either look at the local college websites buy Googling the name of the college. If not, a quick phone call will give you help. Plus if you do want to do a course, you need to show evidence of your JSA.

There are some courses starting in the new year.

redz

Hi, I'm in the same boat as you. Currently studying an accountancy course after being made redundant recently. If you are on any means tested benefits such as income based JSA, Housing benefit, council tax benefit etc. you should be able to get your tuition fees waived. You should also be able to get help with exam fees, textbooks and any essential equipment from your college's hardship fund. You may also get help with fees even if you aren't on a qualifying benefit.
Your college's student services should be your first point of contact regarding financial assistance, they may also be able to help you to choose the type of study most suitable for you particular circumstances. Remember also that over 16 hours of study per week will affect your JSA.

Horace

You could apply to the jobcentre as they have something called the advisor discretionary fund. I wanted to retrain and found an accredited HND equivalent home-learning course which cost £520 so I submitted two business plans, one showing what would happen if I got the qualification and started my own business and one showing what would happen if I didnt do the qualification and started my business without it. Needless to say I put a good case forward and got the £520:D

Good Luck.

ukdickie31

The Adviser Discretionary Fund can only be accessed in certain cases. Unless the Jobseeker is on one of the New Deal programmes or is unemployed and signing on for 26 weeks without a break, it cannot be accessed.

Also, the ADF is not an entitlement, but a request. If the adviser decides that funding is not appropriate, there is no right of appeal.

Jobcentres use partner organisations to deliver training and Jobsearch help. Some are based on a contract (normally for longer term unemployed) and some are simply a signposting service to a suitable local provider who may offer free courses or support.

Normally, Colleges and Further Educational establishments waive fees for the unwaged and the courses can fit in with the benefit rules (ie are part time).

The golden rule when studying and claiming JSA is that the Jobseeker must be prepared to take full time employment and give up the course if a suitable job is found.

Oldernotwiser

Unfortunately you've missed the starting date of most college courses. Have a look at the OU as fees will be covered if you're unemployed and, as it's by distance learning, you'll be able to continue with it after you find another job. Unlike local colleges, most OU courses start in January/February.

xmen2

Jobless_Katie wrote: »

Hi, I've just been made redundant from a well known bank and have been horried at the lack of help I've received from the Job Centre, everything seems to be somebody elses job with no help on how to find out the info!. I was interested in retraining but have not found anyone to help with advice on funding further education courses. Will I have to pay for these myself and if so what benefits would I be able to claim to live on if any? Any ideas?

That's because the jobcentre don't want to help you as they have a crap job and are jealous of anybody who might want to improve themselves and don't want to spend the rest of their lives as government bureaucrats

saintjammyswine

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

Unfortunately you've missed the starting date of most college courses. Have a look at the OU as fees will be covered if you're unemployed and, as it's by distance learning, you'll be able to continue with it after you find another job. Unlike local colleges, most OU courses start in January/February.

many FE Colleges are still recruiting onto courses and can be flexible on start dates for example as most courses are unitised now you can start at the beginning of the next unit & put the missed one to the end of the course. many starts in january for example.

dependingon prior quals you could get 1st level 2 or 3 entitlement as well.

saintjammyswine

xmen2 wrote: »

That's because the jobcentre don't want to help you as they have a crap job and are jealous of anybody who might want to improve themselves and don't want to spend the rest of their lives as government bureaucrats

Absolute tosh, the advisors I work with are dedicated to helping people, you dont see all the work that goes on behind the scenes.

Oldernotwiser

This thread is three years old!

saintjammyswine

In which case it may be too late to enrol on the courses. Thanks, didnt even notice!