ESA at Uni

ic11

Hi all, I've been claiming ESA since 2010... I'm classes as not able to work, I also do not attend the work related activity groups, I was granted exemption from this.

I'm 21, i'm a high functioning autistic savant and can't deal with social situations/customers at all. I just end up being rude to them because they don't understand me. However I'm very talented with anything relating to computers, but as the down side with savant syndrome. I have a hard time putting my knowledge to use, this is where educational system comes in.

I'm starting an Access to Higher Education course in Science this September (Physics, Chemistry and Biology) and have been set up with all the learning support for it. I'm allowed to keep claiming my ESA during this time due to no other source of income (other than DLA and my free disabled bus pass)

However I can't find any information on claiming ESA at University. Unlike most other uni goers, I won't be out socializing or drinking, I'll also be unable to do a part time job at a bar/shop/fast food etc like most uni students do, so I can't afford to lose my ESA as my family income is less than £16,000 as my mother is disabled and father not in the picture.

Any advice on ESA at Uni would help. I hope to come off ESA when I graduate university but with the economy as it is, It's hard for me to find work considering all the extra help/support I need. Most employers in the IT industry won't help or work around me due to my Autism, hopefully when I finish Uni I will be able to prove that with the right help, an autistic savant can be a great asset to a team. I just need an employer who doesn't manipulate me.

Dunroamin

When you're at university you'll be eligible for the full funding package of grants and loans.

ic11

Dunroamin wrote: »

When you're at university you'll be eligible for the full funding package of grants and loans.

I'm aware of the loans from Student Finance England. To note, SFE do not provide help for holidays and the long summer break, either.

However that does not answer my question regarding claiming ESA at uni.

rogerblack

ic11 wrote: »

However I can't find any information on claiming ESA at University.

Very simple unfortunately.
Unless you're in receipt of DLA, you can't claim IR-ESA while a fulltime student.

ic11

rogerblack wrote: »

Very simple unfortunately.
Unless you're in receipt of DLA, you can't claim IR-ESA while a fulltime student.

I am getting DLA, as pointed out in my original post. I know I CAN claim it whilst being a full time student in college, doing an access course. But my question again is, if I'm able to claim it whilst studying at University next year, September 2013.

From April 2013 DLA is getting placed to [link*] so I'm unsure of how this effects things, I'm guessing it's the typical government renaming of things to get everyone to reapply in hopes they can lower the number of claimants, typical political BS.

But please, feel free to give me a complex, long answer as simple answers to the government things don't really work I find.

P.S What is IR-ESA? I only know of ESA.

*New user so wasn't able to post a link, but google Personal Independence Payment. That is what is replacing DLA.

pmlindyloo

IR-ESA - Income related ESA as opposed to CB-ESA - contribution based ESA (based on NI contributions paid at work)

Have a read of this:

http://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/faqstudents.htm#Q11

pmlindyloo

An interesting article on PIP:

http://www.disabilitynow.org.uk/living/features/pip-replacement/

To be honest no-one will be able to answer your questions about PIP as no-one has personally experienced it (obviously!)

There are lots of articles on the internet about PIP so happy reading!

Dunroamin

ic11 wrote: »

I'm aware of the loans from Student Finance England. To note, SFE do not provide help for holidays and the long summer break, either.

The loans and grants are intended to cover all the university holidays; that's why you get less money in your final year.

ETA for most students; different if you have a disability.

Income related ESA will be affected by your grants and loans which may well take you over the means tested threshold.

mynameistallulah

Dunroamin wrote: »

The loans and grants are intended to cover all the university holidays; that's why you get less money in your final year.

Income related ESA will be affected by your grants and loans which will take you over the means tested threshold.

If the OP is entitled to premiums on his ESA will he still be over the threshold? My brain is too fried to work it out!

Dunroamin

mynameistallulah wrote: »

If the OP is entitled to premiums on his ESA will he still be over the threshold? My brain is too fried to work it out!

I edited my post as I don't know either!

Dunroamin

OP, I know that this is off topic but have you checked with the universities you might want to apply to as to their entry requirements as a Science Access course would not be the normal route for an IT degree.

In addition, have you considered studying part time with the Open University which would save you having to do any sort of Access course, avoid problems with benefits and end up with you owing a far smaller amount?

http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/qualification/q62.htm