advice needed please read

onetomany

hi i get carers allowance for my son who i also claim dla for, he is 6 years old and he has started to settle into school now hes in year 2, i pretty sure hes gonna stay in main stream education now and hes going full time, so basiclly i suffer from depression and was wondering if it was time to do some thing for me , i would like to return to studies but somebody has told me im not allowed if i claim carers allowance i have a lovely husbond who will support me, if im allowed does anyone know if i will be intiled to any grants etc ? thanks for letting me moan:rolleyes:

claire1234

hiya,

im sure if it was a part time course you could still go to college,
there are lots of free courses too so it may depend if you do a part time one and still claim CA you`d probs get it free,

i think it says to care for so many hours so you could still have a part time job

hth.

claire1234

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/CaringForSomeone/MoneyMatters/CarersAllowance/DG_10012525

it says there that you cannot get CA if you are on a course of full time education,
so it looks like you could do a part time course (under 21 hours) or work earning less than £95 per week and still claim CA,

im guessing with CA if its a part time course you should get the course free.

hth.

nanokitten

It sounds like you should get a carers assesment.
This may help identify things such as grants or schemes which you may be eligeable for. if your son has a social worker they will be able to do one for you, if not your local carers center should be able to help (you have a legal right to a carers assesment so social services should be able to sort you out).
As Claire1234 says, Often part time courses are free or reduced for carers but you normally have to ask as it's the best kept secret. also depending on where you live there are often schemes for carers offering eg breaks away, small grants (eg £400) for things such as massage or a new tumble dryer...
Get yourself signed up, as you never know what might be available.

onetomany

omg thanks i will keep you posted

hutchy78

Hi Onetomany im a carer for my father and im doing a college course as well, as long as your available at least 35 hrs per week to care then you can do what you want it doesnt matter what way round you do it it can be 35 hrs through the weekend or over a few nights-good luck

foreign_correspondent

I am pretty sure you can study part time as others have said - any ideas what you fancy doing?