Claiming ESA whilst attending University

~Chameleon~

Not sure whether this should be posted here, Disability & Dosh or the Benefits board!

According to the DirectGov website it seems it's possible to carry on claiming ESA whilst attending University.

Does anyone know exactly how this happens in practice please?

MrsManda

You may get more of a response on the benefis board (though likely to get flamed more as well).

In terms of continuing to receiving ESA while attending university I think it will depend on whether you still meet the qualifying condition of not being able to work.

I am claiming ESA WRAG and due to start a OU course soon. This is allowed because I can work around my ill health and it counts as work related activity.

The rules around studying are different depending on whether you're claiming ESA contributions based, ESA income based or ESA under the youth rules.
You can read these on the decisions maker's guide Chapter 41
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/dmgch41.pdf

~Chameleon~

Thanks for you reply and apologies for my late response.

It would seem ESA (IR) would be applicable in this case as the person is also in receipt of DLA but I wonder how it actually works in practice. I'm thinking of the periods between semesters/academic years which the loans/grants don't cover. Would they have to keep re-applying for ESA each time or would the underlying entitlement remain in place throughout even if no actual payment was in force during term time?

MrsManda

~Chameleon~ wrote: »

It would seem ESA (IR) would be applicable in this case as the person is also in receipt of DLA but I wonder how it actually works in practice.

Why would you think this? DLA isn't means tested so a person can claim ESA IR, CB or youth while receiving DLA.
(sorry, not read the guidance since posting so may have forgotten something)

~Chameleon~ wrote: »

I'm thinking of the periods between semesters/academic years which the loans/grants don't cover. Would they have to keep re-applying for ESA each time or would the underlying entitlement remain in place throughout even if no actual payment was in force during term time?

There are a few situations where some benefits may be paid during the summer holidays (such as JSA for lone parents if they're actively looking for work) but I'm not sure whether ESA is included.

Student loans/grants are meant to cover the whole academic year including the summer holiday. This is why students in their final year get a lower amount in their last term as they are no longer students once the term ends.

The_One_Who

~Chameleon~ wrote: »

Thanks for you reply and apologies for my late response.

It would seem ESA (IR) would be applicable in this case as the person is also in receipt of DLA but I wonder how it actually works in practice.

DLA is a non-means-tested benefit, and has nothing to do with capability for work and is completely separate from ESA.

The guidance for this seems a little vague ("you may be able to carry on claiming"), but remember that student finance is considered as income. With the exception of your final year, student finance is expected to last you the full year.

~Chameleon~

The_One_Who wrote: »

DLA is a non-means-tested benefit, and has nothing to do with capability for work and is completely separate from ESA.

I never said it was but the only way a student in HE can claim ESA (IR) is if they are also in receipt of DLA.