OU and benefit implication

mumps

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

I think that Lambeth may have got that wrong, unless the rules have changed to allow part time students to be exempt from paying council tax.

You cannot be a FT OU student.

I heard the wording had changed and could be open to interpretation, some councils have decided OU students are exempt but most have not. I think there has to be a minimum amount of hours/credits but not sure. I can't confirm this but looking at Lambeth it seems likely.

Fiver29

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

I think that Lambeth may have got that wrong, unless the rules have changed to allow part time students to be exempt from paying council tax.

You cannot be a FT OU student.

Just checked our council site, and it says

Normally a full time student is a person who is undertaking a college or university course lasting at least one academic year, and the course involves at least 21 hours of study per week, however there are some exceptions to this rule

From my experience, most OU courses recommend 16 hours of study a week (for a 60 point course).

Oldernotwiser

Fiver29 wrote: »

Just checked our council site, and it says



From my experience, most OU courses recommend 16 hours of study a week (for a 60 point course).

For many benefits a course has had to be specifically designated as full time which an OU course cannot be. That's why you haven't been able to get student loans and maintenance funding that you get for a full time course, even if doing 120 points.

I believe that some councils may have become more flexible with this, which would explain Lambeth's website.

Oldernotwiser

mumps wrote: »

I heard the wording had changed and could be open to interpretation, some councils have decided OU students are exempt but most have not. I think there has to be a minimum amount of hours/credits but not sure. I can't confirm this but looking at Lambeth it seems likely.

Thank you; it does look as if some councils have now become more flexible.

hannahO_2

After speaking to a financial advisor at OU, I just wanted to add in case if anyone is interesting in OU courses.

The way the courses are funded is changing from Sept 2012 academic year which means that there will be no grant but it will be switched to a government funded LOAN. BUT if you get on a course this academic year, you might qualify for a grant for courses starting from Sept 2012 as well. So if you wish to benefit from a grant, start a course this academic year.