Becoming a student - effect on benefits?

abi-em-mum83

SuziQ wrote: »

Mandy I just want to give you a little encouragement. I did K101, Intro to health and social care last year,whilst receiving IS and CA. I loved it and now have a certificate in health and social care. Although I have previously worked in this area for all my adult life, I still found the course very interesting and it stretched me academically. I am now applying to get on a back to practice health visiting course on the back of last year's studies! The OU is brilliant-very supportive and the sense of achievement you get is priceless. We had a really wonderful facebook group on top of the group on the OU site. I am currently doing a 15 credit course, about Autism, as I have a child with Aspergers and am finding it very informative. Good luck!

Im currently having a second bash at K101 after having to take interrupted study earlier this year due to ill health. Its the first foray into education for 10 years for me, and I agree its challenging but so interesting.
I dont know if Im right but I would think OU is different then if you were going to college when it comes to benefits, because with college you have set times and your availability for work (or caring in your case) where as if you are doing OU its in your spare time, around previous commitments.
Maybe speak to CAB (I wouldnt reccomend speaking to benefits office, they aren't usually the best for proper advice as to whats best for YOU!) Hope you find some information soon, you should be commended for trying to improve your life by returning to education!xxx

sleepless_saver

I doubt if the original poster is still looking at this old thread.