Would I be entitled to benefits?

MissMoneypenny

viktory wrote: »

It would be brave if you were giving up a job and not relying on benefits to support you in your education.

It is a big risk though, as I doubt these generous Gordon benefits (which the country had to borrow to pay) will continue. The big clue being the Labour back bencher Frank Field, is helping the government. Blair didn't like Frank Field's welfare reforms (said it wasn't a vote winner) so Blair opted for the giveaway benefits Tax Credits and all the other new benefits Gordon thought of, so Frank Field resigned his post as Welfare Minister.

Frank Field is one of the old school type labour MP: everyone has the right to work to support themselves and their families:these new benefits keep people in a poverty trap. So to give up a job now is very brave (or foolish).

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article7127917.ece

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/may/27/child-poverty-focus-dead-end

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/tax-credits-scheme-may-be-scrapped-as-ministers-launch-welfare-reforms-1985121.html

I worked to support my family, when I did my degree with the Open University. It wasn't easy, but many single parents do it.

bubba1585

You could possible get Income support while you do the access course but you would be expected to take advantage of any loans/grants/bursaries that you are entitled to. If for example there was £1000 available in help and you decided not to take it but just claim Income Support instead then they could take it into account as "notional" income and take it off your benefit as if you are getting it.
Its different for uni courses, there would be no entitlement to Income support as you would be a full time student and should be able to fund yourself or obtain the necessary funding before you start the course. A lot of uni's have tuition fees paid along with a student loan etc that you would need to support yourself on.

Oldernotwiser

bubba1585 wrote: »

You could possible get Income support while you do the access course but you would be expected to take advantage of any loans/grants/bursaries that you are entitled to. If for example there was £1000 available in help and you decided not to take it but just claim Income Support instead then they could take it into account as "notional" income and take it off your benefit as if you are getting it.
Its different for uni courses, there would be no entitlement to Income support as you would be a full time student and should be able to fund yourself or obtain the necessary funding before you start the course. A lot of uni's have tuition fees paid along with a student loan etc that you would need to support yourself on.

From October this year, lone parents with children of 7 and over are ineligible to claim IS and have to claim JSA and look for work.