Student Finance - Special Support Grant - Housing Benefit

John38_2

Hi,

I'm after some info for a 25 Y/O friend. Currently in reciept of Income Support (With Severe Disability Premium), Disability Living Allowance, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit. His Disability is completely mental health related rather than anything physical.

He's got a place at Uni for September and needs to sort out finance.

I think he's entitled to the full amount of Maintainance Loan, Tuition Fee Loan, his current Disability Living Allowance, Special Support Grant, his University Bursary, as well as a small amount of Housing Benefit because he is disabled. I don't think he will be able to continue to receive Income Support however. He will be staying at home instead of halls because he wouldn't be able to cope with communual living. Obviously he will become council tax exempt.

I've got a few questions:

1) What is counted as 'income' for housing benefit purposes? I believe the Special Support Grant and Disability Living Allowance is NOT counted. What about the Maintainance Loan and University Bursary? (Preferably including a link to the relevant regulations).

2) The Special Support Grant, as well as his continued claim for Housing Benefit (whilst a full time student, which is obviously rare), are dependent on him receiving the disability premium or severe disability premium. He's received this for 5 years, but obviously it'll stop when his Income Support stops when he enters full time education. I'm presuming he will be get the SSG and HB on the basis he received Severe Disability Premium prior to becoming a full time student, otherwise it'd be an impossible benefit to claim as a student!? (Again links to regulations would be very helpful!)

3) I'm aware of the Disabled Students Allowance and Access to Learning Fund as possible funding sources, should he ever need them. Am I missing anything else he might be able to claim?

Cheers!

(PS: Posted in Student Forum and Benefits Forum for obvious reasons!)

cookiekid23

im a student going into second year, and the only things they are supposed to count are taxable incomes. so if your mate pays tax on any benefits, hell have to declare those. i think the system is shades of grey, when it should be black and white really. i get income support on a reduced rate in termtime (as a lone parent though), and it might only be a fiver a week during the term but it keeps me eligible for the receipt of full housing benefit. oh and from 30 june to 30th september my is goes back upto the full rate.

it wont let me post links as a new user but goto directDOTgovDOTuk and look for money tax and benefits down the left hand side, then benefits for higher education students on a low income.

best of luck

http /www .direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/On_a_low_income/DG_10034876