Mature student going to Uni what can I claim

sandrac02

Hello I am currently employed and hoping to get VR in a few months time. I want to go to University to do a Nursing Degree, but will have to do a year at college first. I am single living in council rented accommodation, my 21 year old daughter lives with me also attending University doing a Nursing Degree, she does not have a job. I will probably get around £30,000 for my VR. What benefits will I be able to claim ? and how much of my VR can I keep before my benefits are affected? Ive looked on all the Government websites and it tells me nothing, I hope someone can help. Thanks San

Caz3121

I believe you need to look at student funding rather than benefits. Full time Students cannot get housing benefits etc except in some cases such as single parent etc

hoewver if you were entitled to benefits, you talk about "how much of my VR can I keep before benefits are affected"....you cannot dispose of money to get to a level where you can get help (eg under £16k) you would be able to spend it on general living expenses and a decision maker would decide whether it was reasonable spending or deprivation of capital (if they decide deprivation they will treat is as if you still had it...this includes paying off non-essential debts such as credit cards)

Have you looked at the student funding that may be available to you...not sure if these are affected by capital also

dmg24

sandrac02 wrote: »

Hello I am currently employed and hoping to get VR in a few months time. I want to go to University to do a Nursing Degree, but will have to do a year at college first. I am single living in council rented accommodation, my 21 year old daughter lives with me also attending University doing a Nursing Degree, she does not have a job. I will probably get around £30,000 for my VR. What benefits will I be able to claim ? and how much of my VR can I keep before my benefits are affected? Ive looked on all the Government websites and it tells me nothing, I hope someone can help. Thanks San

Yowzers.

(Sitting on hands!)

littlestar1981

I don't really have much advice... not sure about claiming benefits (maybe ask the finance department of the college you want to attend in the first year, or go somewhere like Nextstep?) but I just wanted to say I admire you doing a nursing degree when you're clearly... I can't say it politely, 'older' (since you wrote you have a 21 year old daughter)

I'm feeling naff today and reading that made me feel a lot more positive (and I hope that will make you smile after the non contructive post above mine!!)

x

Uncertain

dmg24 wrote: »

Yowzers.

(Sitting on hands!)

Sorry but I don't see the problem here.

The OP is asking WHAT she is legally entitled to, not whether you (or I come to that) think she SHOULD be entitled to anything.

If you don't like the system write to your MP.

sandrac02

littlestar1981 wrote: »

I don't really have much advice... not sure about claiming benefits (maybe ask the finance department of the college you want to attend in the first year, or go somewhere like Nextstep?) but I just wanted to say I admire you doing a nursing degree when you're clearly... I can't say it politely, 'older' (since you wrote you have a 21 year old daughter)

I'm feeling naff today and reading that made me feel a lot more positive (and I hope that will make you smile after the non contructive post above mine!!)

x

Thank you very much for your response, I am 49 and something Ive wanted to do since leaving school. Basically this is my last opportunity, some people want to swim with Dolphins before the leave this world, this is my wish. :A

FakeIrish

sandrac02 wrote: »

some people want to swim with Dolphins before the leave this world, this is my wish. :A

But these people don't expect or hope to be subsidised by the tax payers.

Uncertain

FakeIrish wrote: »

But these people don't expect or hope to be subsidised by the tax payers.

Every child at a state school in the UK is supported by the tax payer.

Every university student is subsidised, to at least some extent, by the tax payer.

Every NHS patient is subsidised by the tax payer.

I'm tempted to ask where you would draw the line but, as stated earlier, that is not the point!

Jowo_2

The benefit forum members can give you specific advice about benefits. My understanding is that no means tested benefits are receivable for claimants who have 16k and over in capital (savings, investments, etc) and is reduced for those who have between 6k and 16k. Therefore you won't qualify for housing benefit or income support, for example. However, you could qualify for JSA (contributions based) of £65 per week for the first 6 months before you take up full time education.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Employedorlookingforwork/DG_10018757

Generally, those undertaking HE (degree level) will not get any means tested benefits (except council tax discount) unless they have dependents or disabilities. You would be expected to support yourself with loans, grants and bursaries. You could potentially receive some funding for your college course if it a FE course depending on various factors - your college can identify this for you. This is a good starting point to find out about FE and HE funding.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/index.htm

I have seen postings on the benefit forum about those undertaking nursing degrees and funding for it. Ask there or at the institution, the college and uni, where you intend to study. Here is a link about NHS bursaries.

http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/students

MrsManda

If you're studying a NHS funded degree course you will get a NHS bursary - an entitlement calculator can be found here:
http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/Students/3255.aspx

You may also be able to get a maintanence loan and grants from the Student Loan Company:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/UniversityAndHigherEducation/StudentFinance/Applyingforthefirsttime/DG_171537

You will need to inform the council when you get your VR payment and also when you become a student.
As a student you do not need to pay council tax.

In terms of funding for your college year, if you are studying your first level 2 or 3 qualification you will get your fees paid for you and may get Adult Learning Grant but that is means tested and I don't know the rules around redundancy payments

FakeIrish

Uncertain wrote: »

Every child at a state school in the UK is supported by the tax payer.

Every university student is subsidised, to at least some extent, by the tax payer.

Every NHS patient is subsidised by the tax payer.

I'm tempted to ask where you would draw the line but, as stated earlier, that is not the point!

I'm tempted to say you have made it a point now, but that's not the point eh.