DLA & ESA whilst in education

lovetowinacar

My friend has received a letter from her eldest child's school stating that her child may be able to claim a bursary now that she is at college (year 12) if she gets DLA and ESA.

The child receives DLA but the parent has never applied for ESA on the child's behave since child in full time education. We both though ESA was for people who are not in education and also not working are we wrong? The letter is official and implies that some of the students will be getting DLA with ESA as well as being students.

Very confusing we have both had a look at the government website and that really doesn't make it clear. Can anyone help?

princessdon

If she claimed ESA (and there are some circumstances particularly when the child no longer lives with the parents), then her parents would lose their benefits that relate to a child.

Do they claim child related benefits?

pmlindyloo

A young person over the age of 16 years receiving DLA can claim benefits in their own right (or have the parents appointed to do so) and whilst at college.

However, it is not a decision to be taken without careful thought as the parents would lose Child Benefit and any Child Tax Credits they are eligible for.

A good overveiw here:

http://www.amazebrighton.org.uk/adviceforparents/becominganadult/changestobenefitsat16/

lovetowinacar

Many thanks for replies I will pass details on.

I am not sure what benefits they claim (if any) other than child benefit. I believe that she thought they would carry on supporting her the same before.