Eligibility For JSA Whilst Studying

Christopherj_2

I'm currently claiming Job Seekers Allowance, and I'll be enrolling on to the Access to Higher Education programme in September.

The Job Centre has made it unclear to me whether or not I'd still be eligible to carry on with my claim when I start college in September. Their rule is it cannot be more than 16 hours, which it isn't, technically.

I'll be in College for 13 hours a week, and I'll be studying for 15 hours a week out of College. The course is also classed as full-time, even though I'd only be in college for 13 hours a week.

I was wondering if anyone has any information on my eligibility to claim Job Seekers Allowance whilst studying on the hours stated above.

Deepmistrust

Christopherj wrote: »

I'm currently claiming Job Seekers Allowance, and I'll be enrolling on to the Access to Higher Education programme in September.

The Job Centre has made it unclear to me whether or not I'd still be eligible to carry on with my claim when I start college in September. Their rule is it cannot be more than 16 hours, which it isn't, technically.

I'll be in College for 13 hours a week, and I'll be studying for 15 hours a week out of College. The course is also classed as full-time, even though I'd only be in college for 13 hours a week.

I was wondering if anyone has any information on my eligibility to claim Job Seekers Allowance whilst studying on the hours stated above.

You can't claim Jobseekers if you aren't actively seeking work. If your course is "full time", you might qualify for IS instead.

dookar

Christopherj wrote: »

The course is also classed as full-time

----depending on whether the course is funded by LSC or not----

It is the nature of the course and not an individual's level of attendance that determines whether it be full time or not. It is full time, full time students are not available for work.

Christopherj_2

Deepmistrust wrote: »

You can't claim Jobseekers if you aren't actively seeking work. If your course is "full time", you might qualify for IS instead.

I would be actively seeking work, and how could I qualify for Income Support?

Christopherj_2

dookar wrote: »

----depending on whether the course is funded by LSC or not----

It is the nature of the course and not an individual's level of attendance that determines whether it be full time or not. It is full time, full time students are not available for work.

Apparently, according to both the Job Centre and Student Services, my course would be funded by the Job Centre.

The course is classed as full-time, but it's under 13 hours (13 hours in College and 15 hours in your own time).

The 15 hours that I would do in my own time would be in the evenings.

bestpud

The hours you attend make no difference - the course is still full time.

I don't think you can claim JSA.

Have you looked into adult learning grants?

ash4becks

i have did access was on jsa to and as for 15 hours out of college more like a hour a week if that and iam dyslexic so takes me longer to do things, but the snag of jsa is after 6 months they want you on there daft courses might not apply if there paying for it i would check but you only need to declare the hours on your timetable jcp told me that

viktory

Christopherj wrote: »

I would be actively seeking work, and how could I qualify for Income Support?

So if you found a job would you be prepared to give up your course?

Oldernotwiser

Christopherj wrote: »

Apparently, according to both the Job Centre and Student Services, my course would be funded by the Job Centre.
.

I haven't heard of this before but I've been out or work in this area for a couple of years so things may have changed. If you've been told this by both involved parties I wouldn't worry but I would get it in writing before you start.

Don't underestimate the amount of work that's involved in a good quality Access course, they can (and should) be very intensive. Good luck.

Christopherj_2

bestpud wrote: »

Have you looked into adult learning grants?

The ALG wouldn't support me enough because a) I couldn't apply for Housing Benefit and b) It's only £30 a week (my bills amount to more than £30 a week).

clairetelche1

Hi
Your eligibility will depend on the admin team - some can 'hide' entitlement aspects of the course (eg tutorial, skills development, adult literacy and numeracy etc) which will bring the hours down.
Cxx