can you claim JSA untill statring a degree?

divastrop

hi, I have been doing an access course which finishes this week. I was getting income support on the grounds of incapacity, but I found out yesterday I failed my medical and my benefit has stopped. I am hoping to start a foundation degree in Health and Social care in Septemeber, and I need to know if that will prevent me being able to claim JSA from now untill then? The course requires me to attend college one day a week and the rest of the learning is to come from placements, but I have been told by the tutor that many students do the course while working in the social care field and use their job as their work placement, so it isn't unreasonable for me to look for a job at this time. I am worried however, I don't know if this is going to be a problem. Does anyone have any knowledge or experience of this type of situation? Thanks.

dogleish

Yeah, it's fine to sign on during the summer before you've started studying, I did it last week after returning from a Gap Year!

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

And don't forget to appeal against the decision if you think it was wrong.

divastrop

Thank you for the replies.
I was told when I rang the benefit helpline that I would have to claim esa if I were to appeal and that it would be at a lower rate than JSA, which would be too much of a struggle at the moment. It's all so confusing .

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

Just appeal anyway - they rely on people giving up. And from last year, when I helped someone, appealing saved them the signing on business.

student_advisor

divastrop wrote: »

Thank you for the replies.
I was told when I rang the benefit helpline that I would have to claim esa if I were to appeal and that it would be at a lower rate than JSA, which would be too much of a struggle at the moment. It's all so confusing .

sounds like you've been misinformed here, if in doubt, check with an advice agency like the CAB or the advice centre at your college/uni

Oldernotwiser

You may want to consider whether it's worth your while appealing as any means tested benefits will be affected by your student loan and grant.

divastrop

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

You may want to consider whether it's worth your while appealing as any means tested benefits will be affected by your student loan and grant.

this is what I was thinking, by the time the appeal comes round I may be getting student finance anyway and it would be a waste of time. I just wanted to know about the JSA between now and September.

Oldernotwiser

Personally, I'd be inclined to claim JSA and avoid starting your new life having to think too hard about any limitations you may have; others may not agree.

ash4becks

divastrop wrote: »

this is what I was thinking, by the time the appeal comes round I may be getting student finance anyway and it would be a waste of time. I just wanted to know about the JSA between now and September.

theres no harm in trying but i claimed jsa while at college doing acess and year after on income support and i was allowed to stay on I.S while on my course but there is a point all the money you have missed out on would be backdated that makes a big differnce if your student loan is late coming in which it normally is by at least noveber for me last time x