Income support and Government help for interest on mortgage - summer time

littlebananafeet

I am a student Mum and heard rumours that I might be eligable for income support in the summer time. My course at Uni is 43 weeks.

Has anyone ever claimed this ? If so, should I claim now or wait until nearer the time ?

Lastly, this government help for those on income support, I have noticed there is a waiting period of 13 weeks for help with your mortgage, If I am eligable for income support in the summer does this mean I can get help towards my mortgage during this time ? If so, when should I apply ?

If anyone has any advice I'd be really grateful.
Thanks

cardiffforthefacup

GO to student finances they will have all the details you need. The rules changed this year and if your child is over 7? you claim job seekers allowance instead of income support. I usually apply a week or two before uni finishes due to the paperwork and delays involved. They process the claim from the end of term anyway, you usually have an interview with a single parent advisor before you are entitled to anything so may have to get a crisis loan to cover food costs and energy use while waiting. As for mortgage payments I can't help you as I only rent acommodation, so only get housing benefit. I'm sure more knowledgable people will come forward with the info soon.

Oldernotwiser

cardiffforthefacup wrote: »

The rules changed this year and if your child is over 7?

Lone parents with children under the age of 12 can still claim IS. The age comes down to under 10 on October 26 2009 and under 8 on 25 October 2010.