university or college benefits

Oldernotwiser

princessflea wrote: »

I am considering doing an OU degree in October. I don't qualify for any type of help because my household income is too high but does anyone know if I will be classed as a student for council tax purposes? Anything else I may be able to get help with?

Only full time students are eligible for Council Tax discounts and you can't be classified as a full time student (however many courses you're studying) if you're with the OU. Sorry.

Mahatma__Steven

As a full time university student will I be entitled to housing benefit? Or any other benefit for that matter?

my_two_cents

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

Contact Learndirect on 0800 100 900 or learndirect.co.uk to find out about a Career Development Loan for work related earning or the Adult Learning Grant which offers up to £30 per week if you are studying in England for more than 12 hours a week.

You can also enquire from the colleges direct about their support funds.

You can also find out more about finances from direct.gov.uk/adultlearning

Licklelady

ADVICE PLEASE

My son started Uni in Sept and although he is 21 and had been at work for 2 years and paying tax in his own right, we had to disclose our earnings and the loan/grant was based on that. The loan/grant only just covered his accomodation and he has nearly used up all of his savings. He is desperately trying to get a job but so are the rest of his flat mates; seems no-one is taking anyone on and obviously it has got to fit in with his lessons. The loan/grant was based on what we earned last year and of course they are not interested in your outgoings. Unfortunately my husband is self employed and has got no work whatsoever so we are struggling to manage on my small wage. We have got no spare money to send to our son and it seems so unfair that he can't claim anything. Or can he? Any advice?

[Deleted User]

Licklelady wrote: »

ADVICE PLEASE

My son started Uni in Sept and although he is 21 and had been at work for 2 years and paying tax in his own right, we had to disclose our earnings and the loan/grant was based on that. The loan/grant only just covered his accomodation and he has nearly used up all of his savings. He is desperately trying to get a job but so are the rest of his flat mates; seems no-one is taking anyone on and obviously it has got to fit in with his lessons. The loan/grant was based on what we earned last year and of course they are not interested in your outgoings. Unfortunately my husband is self employed and has got no work whatsoever so we are struggling to manage on my small wage. We have got no spare money to send to our son and it seems so unfair that he can't claim anything. Or can he? Any advice?

You might get a better response to this on the student board
However as I understand it the best course open to him might be to approach his uni via student services for emergency funding,its not a simple process and can take upto 4 weeks and tbh this early in the academic year they are less likely to be generous,but still worth a try

mummytofour

Licklelady wrote: »

ADVICE PLEASE

My son started Uni in Sept and although he is 21 and had been at work for 2 years and paying tax in his own right, we had to disclose our earnings and the loan/grant was based on that. The loan/grant only just covered his accomodation and he has nearly used up all of his savings. He is desperately trying to get a job but so are the rest of his flat mates; seems no-one is taking anyone on and obviously it has got to fit in with his lessons. The loan/grant was based on what we earned last year and of course they are not interested in your outgoings. Unfortunately my husband is self employed and has got no work whatsoever so we are struggling to manage on my small wage. We have got no spare money to send to our son and it seems so unfair that he can't claim anything. Or can he? Any advice?

Its ok you can get re-assessed ASAP. Get on to the LEA and explain. In the mean time, he can ask the access to leaning fund at uni for money but he MUST be honest with then and explain that your situation has changed. Or as much as I hate debt ( I owe toO much) does your son have an OD if not maybe he could get one.