ESA and full time study advice please?

apronedsamurai

Hi guys.

I have been on benefits for 7 years now, so 2005-2012.

I was in reciept of Income Support until 26 Jan 2012. On that date I was awarded ESA, and I am in the Support Group.

There is absolutely chance whatsoever of me recovering, my condition improving, etc. I have a chronic health condition, which will ultimately necessitate surgical intervention.

I am planning on going to university to do a full-time course, lasting one year.

I have some concerns.

1) It would seem that you cant get ESA if your in full time study. However, given that I am already a recipient of it, and given that there is NO chance of my condition getting better, could I still receive it?
2) If the answer to 1) is no; then are there any other benefits Id be eligible for? At present, I THINK I could be eligible for income support again but would be grateful if someone could clarify this.
3) If no to both; are there ANY benefits I could claim during the studying period?

Thank you.

Dunroamin

What level of study would you be doing?

apronedsamurai

I am planning on going to university to do a full-time course, lasting one year.

rogerblack

As I understand it, you cannot claim ESA at all, if you do not have a DLA award, while studying fulltime. (*or any course which the university declares as fulltime )

At least for income-based ESA, which you are on.

enabledebra

That's right, in full time uni education ESA (income based) is only paid if the student also gets DLA and even then the student funding (if eligible for funding) - reduces entitlement. You need to confirm if you have entitlement to income based or contribution based ESA and also let us know if you are in the support group or work related activity group before we can let you know where you stand.

Edit - no income support can be paid if the only reason you qualified before was illness- no ill person can start a new claim for IS now it's all moved to ESA.

apronedsamurai

Again,

I am in the Support Group for ESA, income-based category.



Which full-time students can claim Income Support?

If you're a full-time student of any age you can still claim Income Support if:
You're a disabled student who claimed before October 27 2008 and you get the disability premium or severe disability premium, or you've been incapable of work for 28 weeks, or you qualify for a disabled student’s allowance due to deafness. If you didn't claim before October 27 2008, you will need to claim Employment and Support Allowance instead.
You're a refugee learning English.
You have limited rights to be in the UK and you're dependent on funds from abroad that have been temporarily disrupted.

Reference:

CarersDirect/moneyandlegal/otherbenefits/Pages/income-support-claims.aspx

Dunroamin

apronedsamurai wrote: »

I am planning on going to university to do a full-time course, lasting one year.

Sorry, that doesn't answer my question - what level is it? This is important as it relates to available funding which will impact on your benefits.