Special Support Grant

HopeAndDriftWood

I'm so confused about this, if someone can tell me whether I'm entitled or not I'd be thrilled.

I was originally told I am, because I am on Housing Benefit. Sent evidence of this to SF, who said it had to be dated after I started Uni. However, my HB will stop once my loans come, unless I get the Special Support Grant. I'm also on ESA, which I presume is income based, as it is £89.90 a week and I get HB. I doubt I'd have enough contributions, either. The letter doesn't say, however.

So shall I phone tomorrow and tell them I am entitled? I hate dealing with them...Will they be able to change it fast? I'm due to be paid next week, and don't really want my benefits to all stop...

student_advisor

You need to send SFE proof of your ESA not your HB.

If your ESA is income-assessed, this will be affected by your student loan (but not the Special Support Grant). Your housing benefit will also be reduced.

You should have received a letter about your ESA which will have stated how much you are entitled to. This will either say that your award is based on your NI contributions, or on your income.

If your ESA is income-based, you really need to see the advisors at your uni so you know exactly how your money is going to be affected.

You need to inform the benefits agencies if you have started your course. If you have already been made an award by SFE (maintenance loan & grant maybe), you should provide evidence of this to them.

Your uni will have the Access to Learning Fund to help you if your benefits are reduced before you get the SFE funding sorted.

SFE are not doing anything particularly quickly at the mo.

HopeAndDriftWood

Thanks very much!
I'll get in contact with them tomorrow and send the evidence. Thanks again!

Taiko

It should be eligible in principle for Housing Benefit too, so SFE have got it wrong here from the start.

tommyb147

Can you recieve housing benefit while at uni?