Student Bursaries - Classed as income?

masternails

***Previously posted on a different forum but thought anyone who has in depth knowledge of JSA may be able to help**

Does anyone know if a NHS student Bursary is classed as income? I have always worked and my last job was a temp role which ended in July. Having applied for roughly 70 jobs and having no luck I had no option but to claim JSA. I have been offered a place at Uni on a part-time course which is a NHS course so they pay the course tuition fee's. They also award a Bursary which is calculated on your household income. I am still trying to find employment and am desperate to work, however if by the time my course starts I still have not secured employment I will still be on JSA. The course is 12 hours a week. I have asked at the JobCentre how this would affect my benefit and who elements they take into account as I do not want to start a course if I will lose JSA. I would rather not start it at all. They have said that I need to provide my Learning Agreement once I start and then they will access it. So they have ignored my predicament. No-one in the Jobcentre could answer my question. How are people supposed to plan if they don't help. I would rather work than claim, no question about that, but I do not want to start a course I really want to do if I then am going to get told I will lose my JSA whilst I continue to look for work. Help. I get Income Based JSA not Cont Based

xylophone

I used to process JSA claims

Does this not help you with your query?
You might find something here by way of information http://www.turn2us.org.uk/information__resources/benefits/education/benefits_and_students.aspx
It is detailed but states, "The rules regarding benefits entitlement when you are a full-time or part-time student are complicated. We recommend that you seek advice from an expert benefits adviser about your particular circumstances. You can use our Find an Adviser tool to find a local one."