Help With Disabled benefits

Snapelover

I have been registered partially sighted since Dec 1999 and have received Severe Desablement Allowance and Disability Living Allowance (lower rate mobility/middle rate care) since then. I am cionsidering leaning British Sign Language in February (if the teacher thinks I am able to do it with being VI) in order to hopefully have a career in BSL.

My question is, is it worth me moving off SDA and going onto Jobseekers Allowance or Income support? Thought if I did then I might be better off as I assume I will get my course fees paid and I will, in fact, be looking for work eventually.

My son also claims Carer's Allowance for looking after me. Will that be affected?

Am I right in thinking that I will always receive DLA whether I work or not.

Indie_Kid

You will receive DLA whether you work or not, as long as you continue to meet the conditions.

Snapelover

sh1305 wrote: »

You will receive DLA whether you work or not, as long as you continue to meet the conditions.

I thought so, but can I opt out of SDA in order to start receive JSA or IS? If so, will I be worse off.





* I have also posted this in Disability & Dosh section*

Indie_Kid

Are you available and looking for work? Income Support is now only available to carers, lone parents and a few other groups. (not disabled people, now)

GlasweJen

I don't think that claiming JSA will get you anywhere in terms of course fees, sometimes being on a course will exclude you from claiming JSA anyway.

You could always contact the college where you're planning on taking the course and ask to speak to a student advisor from there. They will be able to tell you what the situation is with regard to fees and give you advice on benefits while you study.

Snapelover

Thanks all. Think I will just stay as I am.

Irish-John_2

What's the rate of Income Support for someone getting Carer's Allowance?

dmg24

Irish-John wrote: »

What's the rate of Income Support for someone getting Carer's Allowance?

It depends on their household circumstances. If you need help on your entitlement you would be best to start a new thread.

SailorSam

Where i live (Knowsley) they run evening classes for sign language. It's a 2yr course of 33wks per yr.
I think the fees if you receive qualifying benefits are £10 registration each year, and then £25 per 11wk term.
Check with your local authority but it probably wouldn't be worth coming off benefits to enrol.

skater_kat

sh1305 wrote: »

Are you available and looking for work? Income Support is now only available to carers, lone parents and a few other groups. (not disabled people, now)

hiya, i thought you could claim IS if you are disabled and working under 16hrs p/w ?

healy

skater_kat wrote: »

hiya, i thought you could claim IS if you are disabled and working under 16hrs p/w ?

Not now for new claims, ESA would be claimed now.