What do they do now?

GlasweJen

jackieb wrote: »

My son's doing a 2 year full-time HND course. He was getting IS with IB before he applied for a place. Before he started college he let them know of his change in circumstances, and what course and for how long it was. He got a letter back saying it wouldn't make a difference to his benefits.

I don't understand, your son was in reciept of incapacity benefit, then started a full time course and somehow got switched from IB to JSA???? Could you please explain this as I have no idea how he managed to get moved onto JSA when you say in this post that he was told there would be no change in benefits when he began college. I have heard of people on incapacity benefit being allowed to do courses but you can't claim IB with JSA and you can't claim JSA when you are enrolled on a full time course. Also I assume the JSA is income based because he was on incapacity before so it's unlikely he accrued enough NI in the previous 2 years so how on earth can he get JSA with student grant and loan?????

jackieb

GlasweJen wrote: »

I don't understand, your son was in reciept of incapacity benefit, then started a full time course and somehow got switched from IB to JSA???? Could you please explain this as I have no idea how he managed to get moved onto JSA when you say in this post that he was told there would be no change in benefits when he began college. I have heard of people on incapacity benefit being allowed to do courses but you can't claim IB with JSA and you can't claim JSA when you are enrolled on a full time course. Also I assume the JSA is income based because he was on incapacity before so it's unlikely he accrued enough NI in the previous 2 years so how on earth can he get JSA with student grant and loan?????

I never said that my son got JSA. I think you're confusing me with the OP. I was replying to someone who said you couldn't get IS if you were at college full-time.

berna123

My son and his partner have now visited the job centre and this is the information they where given.
If he wants to continue with the college course then he must sign off JSA and would not be entitled to any other benefit.
His partner could claim JSA for herself.
They where told by the lady in the job centre that the best thing they could do would be to split up, for my son to move out!! Then his partner could claim IS and various other benefits as a lone parent.

So i have now come to the conculsion that trying to impove your mind and enhance you job prospects, living as a family unit to create a secure and stable family home for you child, are the wrong things to do in the country.

DX2

berna123 wrote: »

My son and his partner have now visited the job centre and this is the information they where given.
If he wants to continue with the college course then he must sign off JSA and would not be entitled to any other benefit.
His partner could claim JSA for herself.
They where told by the lady in the job centre that the best thing they could do would be to split up, for my son to move out!! Then his partner could claim IS and various other benefits as a lone parent.

So i have now come to the conculsion that trying to impove your mind and enhance you job prospects, living as a family unit to create a secure and stable family home for you child, are the wrong things to do in the country.

Shocking bit of advice really :eek:

jackieb

I agree, terrible advice.

Maybe it's not ideal but maybe your son could try and get a job, in a supermarket or somewhere, and go to college classes in the evening or part-time? Then he might get working tax credits too.

GotToChange

I wonder if this is an all-encompassing policy? It does seem so very warped - that a person tries to - and indeed must - improve their chances of employment and yes, it may well be further down the line... but the Powers That Be insist on attendance at theses Godawful schemes (that accomplish NOTHING) at the expense of a person being able to make improvements in their own way.

Anyway, ranting aside; I have been led to understand (by the JCP no less)that an individual can study at College (not HE - becoming a FT student "funded" by loans etc) for up - wait for it - 21 hours - and still claim JSA and be jobseeking. I have also been told that studying in such a way can mean that you aren't forced onto one of the schemes as you are making your own efforts to increase your employability prospects.

I think he needs to ramp his question up to the next level as I promise you, the above is what I have been told - in summary -

Can continue to claim JSA - and, of course look for work and sign on (they don't have to know that he will restrict his search in any way [to fit around College]).

Can attend College for up to 21 hours - a Learning Agreement must be supplied to the JCP as proof.

Will not have to attend a New Deal Course as attending College to improve job prospects.

I hope to goodness that this doesn't just apply in my area.

x


ETA - there are implications re. Housing Benefit if he changes circumstances I think - i.e. Have to be EITHER receiving JSA or studying over 16 hours to qualify. Also, he wouldn't get the ALG if he stays on JSA. It's all swings and roundabouts....

alison99_2

My son completed a 2 year course at college and claimed JSA. He was on New Deal and sent on various courses by the Jobcentre. He attended college mon, tues and half day weds and done the New Deal courses Weds afternoon, thurs and friday. He qualified as a plasterer 18 months ago and he will always be grateful to his New Deal advisor who helped him sort everything and even found him grants for tools, clothing and travel.
I hope everything works out for your son.

Blackpool_Saver

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

What makes you think that the OP or her son could afford professional advice?

Wow, older why the attack? I meant a CAB appt or a free appt with an MP surgery or even a solicitor......

Oldernotwiser

Blackpool_Saver wrote: »

Wow, older why the attack? I meant a CAB appt or a free appt with an MP surgery or even a solicitor......

Sorry, it wasn't meant as an attack, although I can see it came over as a bit brusque!

I took it that you meant that they should pay for help.

Blackpool_Saver

Thanks, it never happened .... no, they shouldn't have to pay, the system is letting them down enough.