Suspended Studies - JSA?

Anne1234_2

Hi,

I'm sure this has been asked a few times already...but can't find similar threads, so.. I have been studying full time at university since september, however last week I decided t suspend my studies - and return this time next year. I have made a claim for JSA as I will be actively seeking work and my student loan payments have now stopped as I am not attending the course now. I have heard from a few people I wont be able to claim JSA because I am still a student, although i wont be attending Uni for the next year. I can understand why this is the case.. but how do I support myself for a year?? - I obviously plan to get a job, but dont know when this will happen.

My question is , is there any point in going to the jobseeker appointment I have made? And if I do and my case goes to a decision maker, am I paid until a decision is made?

I suspended my studies due to health reasons, and it was agreed by the Uni that I return this time next year when I am well. I feel well enough to work, but I have been told I should apply for ESA - what do I need to apply for this? I have a letter from my doctor and I'm sure she can provide me with a sick note, but with ESA do you have to keep providing them ? It just seems very complicated and at present do not feel up to going through the process for ESA. Can anyone help?
Thanks.

PippaGirl_2

You are still entitled to student finance when you suspend studies. Note though, student finance is only available for 4 years so you can only rely on the finance for one suspended studies year plus the 3 of your degree.

Personally if you are well enough to work, you ought to be well enough to study I would think.

Anne1234_2

Hi,

I was studying an NHS course, they are much more intense than a normal degree, it was incredibly stressful... I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety shortly before I started Uni, but I wanted to give it a go, and see how the medication I was prescribed would make me feel.

Its very difficult because I feel I could do a "simple" job, like working in a shop, but Uni was just to hard for me at the moment, as I have to deal with my condition as well. I also really need the money for when I go back next year.

P.s - I am only entitled to funding for the duration of the course Only, as I have a degree already and was provided funding for this.

PippaGirl_2

Anne1234 wrote: »

P.s - I am only entitled to funding for the duration of the course Only, as I have a degree already and was provided funding for this.

ah ok. Might be different then. I got told a load of rubbish by JCP when I went for advice as to what to apply for in summer breaks when I was a student. I think your best bet is to go to a CAB and see someone face to face, they will look it up and should give your accurate advice.

Best of luck with your new treatment. I managed to get through to the end of my degree despite severe depression and anxiety, with the help of the disability section at Uni. Now I'm in intense therapy and hope to be well enough to apply for jobs in the New Year. If you're determined, you will get there. I suspended studies once (hence knowing you can still get student finance) and it was very hard returning and I did wonder whether I should have stopped/paused, but I made it.

Anne1234_2

Thanks for your advice PippaGirl, nice to hear from someone in a similar position! The CAB sounds like a good port of call. I will try them.

ArtoDeeto

If you have officially stopped studies, and aren't getting a student grant (or whatever it's called now) I can see no reason why you wouldn't be entitled to JSA as long as you are looking for work. I am assuming you haven't got savings of more then £5k.
And yes you will be paid (subject to the above) but you might have to wait a while for the claim to be processed before you get your payments.
Apply for ESA too.

PippaGirl wrote: »

Personally if you are well enough to work, you ought to be well enough to study I would think.

Good point.

miduck

ArtoDeeto wrote: »

If you have officially stopped studies, and aren't getting a student grant (or whatever it's called now) I can see no reason why you wouldn't be entitled to JSA as long as you are looking for work. I am assuming you haven't got savings of more then £5k.
And yes you will be paid (subject to the above) but you might have to wait a while for the claim to be processed before you get your payments.
Apply for ESA too.


Good point.

This is wrong. If you have suspended (as opposed to abandoned) your studies you are still classed as a student and hence not eligible for JSA. The fact that you are not receiving student finance is irrelevant.

You will only be eligible for ESA if you are in receipt of DLA.

(See 30236 onwards.)

ArtoDeeto

miduck wrote: »

This is wrong. If you have suspended (as opposed to abandoned) your studies you are still classed as a student and hence not eligible for JSA. The fact that you are not receiving student finance is irrelevant.
You will only be eligible for ESA if you are in receipt of DLA.

I stand corrected - shows how much I know :embarasse

Anne1234_2

Hi, Whats DLA? and why do I have to be in receipt of this to claim ESA? i thought ESA was a seperate thing...? i'm considering withdrawing my offer entirely and reapplying, but this sort of doesn't seem fair...

I may apply for JSA anyway and see what happens, and hope I don't get a sanction or a ban, as I might consider withdrawing my offer and then putting in a new application for JSA.

Thanks

miduck

Anne1234 wrote: »

Hi, Whats DLA? and why do I have to be in receipt of this to claim ESA? i thought ESA was a seperate thing...? i'm considering withdrawing my offer entirely and reapplying, but this sort of doesn't seem fair...

I may apply for JSA anyway and see what happens, and hope I don't get a sanction or a ban, as I might consider withdrawing my offer and then putting in a new application for JSA.

Thanks

One wonders why you ask for advice and then say "I'll apply anyway" - you have even been given a link to the rules that the JCP use!

Disability Living Allowance is for those that have care and mobility needs, and these needs are long term. Students are only eligible for ESA if they are in receipt of DLA, that is not the case for non students.

PippaGirl_2

Anne, there is no point applying for a benefit you are not entitled to, you will jump through hoops for weeks and then be told there will be no money - it happened to me.

Is it too late to decide not to suspend studies? Have you started yet? If not, then you could defer a year which is a simple process.