What benefits could I be entitled to?

MissMuppet

Hi,

I'm seriously considering starting a degree in September, I'm nearly 32 and this will be my first degree. Currently I work full-time at a University, and looking to go part-time/jobshare, obviously if my department will agree to this.

My question is, with my salary halved, will I be entitled to housing benefit, council tax benefit and the fee grant (to cover tuition fees?)??

I've checked out the direct.gov website, but feel I might be missing something here. It seems too simple that I could go part-time, study and still manage financially!!

Would appreciate any advice... thanks!

Lokolo

Fee grants don't exist.
You can't get support if you go and study fulltime.

MissMuppet

Hmmm... this is what the direct.gov website says:

"If you’re starting a part-time course in higher education, you could get financial help through the Fee Grant, Course Grant and other sources - depending on your circumstances."

Lokolo

Well I never knew. Someone told me that had abolished Fee Grants...

http://www.studentfinance.direct.gov.uk/calculator/studentfinancecalculator/

Have you tried the calculator? .... edit... hm whenever I put in fulltime it says to phone them. Idiots.

I'd wait for OlderNotWiser as she knows more than me

---

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/UniversityAndHigherEducation/LifeAtUniversityOrCollege/DG_071488

There it says only FT students can get council tax discounts, although you will be on a lower income so can get some sort of discounts (which I'm not sure on)

MissMuppet

Yes I tried the calculator but part-time comes up to call them as well, might do that later.

I'm hoping my lower income will entitle me with some help for rent and CT... guess I could ring the council.

So frustrating that they can't say yes or no until you apply, don't want to go PT at work, start a degree and find myself in financial difficulties.

Fire_Fox

Have you spoken to your workplace about this? Many universities have a policy of allowing/ encouraging staff to gain higher qualifications, funding (or part funding) the fees and even allowing day release. You may need to speak to Personnel before you approach your line manager armed with the facts. Often you need to demonstrate the course of study is in line with your career development aims - in the NHS, for example, your goal can be a career change!

Also have you considered studying full-time and working part-time? You won't have to pay any council tax, may be entitled to the full loan/ grant ... with student banking and student rates for public transport you'd be amazed how well off you are. I have found that benefits don't really allow for single people with no children, I was told no income support unless I had a family and no council tax benefit unless I was awarded income support ...

This is helpful for preparing possible budgets:
http://www.makesenseofcards.com/soacalc.html

alwaysonthego_2

MissMuppet wrote: »

Hi,

I'm seriously considering starting a degree in September, I'm nearly 32 and this will be my first degree. Currently I work full-time at a University, and looking to go part-time/jobshare, obviously if my department will agree to this.

My question is, with my salary halved, will I be entitled to housing benefit, council tax benefit and the fee grant (to cover tuition fees?)??

I've checked out the direct.gov website, but feel I might be missing something here. It seems too simple that I could go part-time, study and still manage financially!!

Would appreciate any advice... thanks!

Do you have a partner and/or children?

Do you have savings?

Oldernotwiser

Could you clarify whether you're planning to study full or part time; unless I've missed it you haven't said, which is what's causing the muddle!

If you're looking at studying part time (which is what I think you mean) you'll be assessed on your household income and if it's low enough you'll receive a fee grant. If not, you'll have to pay.

Use www.entitledto.co.uk to assess whether you'll get any help with means tested benefits, based on your part time income.

Firefox has made a couple of excellent suggestions.

MissMuppet

Oops sorry, I was thinking about doing the degree part-time, just so I can remain in my current job and possibly reduce my hours.

I don't have a partner or kids, just me. I also don't have any savings whatsoever.

I will certainly speak to Human Resources about my options, although the degree I want to do isn't really work related. I already know that they would pay 50% of the fees if I was to remain working full-time, it's not so clear how much they would pay if I was to go part-time.

Thanks for all the help... I'm just waiting for the Uni to get back to me with the amount of hours a week the degree will involve and then I can start to get the ball rolling.

Oldernotwiser

MissMuppet wrote: »

Oops sorry, I was thinking about doing the degree part-time, just so I can remain in my current job and possibly reduce my hours.

I don't have a partner or kids, just me. I also don't have any savings whatsoever.

I will certainly speak to Human Resources about my options, although the degree I want to do isn't really work related. I already know that they would pay 50% of the fees if I was to remain working full-time, it's not so clear how much they would pay if I was to go part-time.

Thanks for all the help... I'm just waiting for the Uni to get back to me with the amount of hours a week the degree will involve and then I can start to get the ball rolling.

If your salary's under about £24,000 you'll be eligible for the fee grant anyway, so I wouldn't worry about it.

MissMuppet

Thanks, yes my salary is below £24,000.