Benefits while on access course

suffolkb · 15 May 2007 at 7:24PM

I`ve not even been able to get a job doing that. Application is in with Asda at the moment. Nothing at Tesco or Sainsbury out here. Don`t fancy bar work as it`s not considered wise for alcoholics. I`m going to put an add in the village mag to see if starting a dog-walking service would be viable. Or leaflet distributing (or both). I`ll do this somehow. Thanks again for your help.

TheWaltons_3 · 15 May 2007 at 7:40PM

I think it is wrong for people to be expected to just 'drop' the course should any random job come along, when the course could potentially be something that would be an asset to someones CV.

suffolkb · 17 May 2007 at 6:00AM

Didn`t even get a job at Asda. What a confidence boost that is.
The course is 0900 to 1500. Thinks me `9 to 5, that`s 8 hours.` So much for my maths skills. Application for part time work in the town offie goes in today.

Hapless_2 · 20 May 2007 at 7:01PM

TheWaltons wrote: »

I think it is wrong for people to be expected to just 'drop' the course should any random job come along, when the course could potentially be something that would be an asset to someones CV.

But if you do not drop the course then they would say you have not been actively seeking work and will stop your benefits anyway.

Oldernotwiser · 20 May 2007 at 7:26PM

You should check whether Adult Learning Grants are available in your area as this would give you an extra £30 per week (if this will be your first level 3 course). You need to also find out whether you'd need to pay fees for the Access course.

Without wanting to sound negative, I would also investigate whether your health situation is likely to be a barrier to employment. You'll need to pass a medical to be accepted.
Good Luck!

the_devil_made_me_do_it · 20 May 2007 at 7:37PM

Nearly all the students on the Access course at my college are unemployed. The Access course is set up to cater for those who have children or are unemployed, especially the day time course. You could inquire whether the college could write you a standard letter to take to the job centre.

I'm assuming all Access courses will be the same, 16 hrs per week over 1 year, less on an evening at my college, and it's ran over 2 yrs instead of 1.

All course fees are paid, however. at my college they do ask a small admin fee which isn't covered, you will have to pay that yourself.

There is cash assistance available for buying books and transport costs can be covered.

Don't let the Job Centre deter you! As long as you are willing to either give up the course or maybe transfer to the evening course if a job came up.

Failing that, don't tell them. I know people who have attended courses without ever informing the job centre.

ukdickie31 · 20 May 2007 at 9:12PM

Failing that, don't tell them. I know people who have attended courses without ever informing the job centre.

The declaration signed each fortnight when a person signs on says that all changes that could affect benefit have been declared.

Not mentioning it would be fraud.

Oldernotwiser · 20 May 2007 at 9:45PM

The college where I work charges fees of over £800 which are waived if you're on means tested benefits. There are many lone parents who don't have to be available for work but if you're unemployed and claiming JSA you MUST notify JCP that you're on the course and at least go through the motions of looking for work.

suffolkb · 21 May 2007 at 10:59AM

Thanks all. Just got back from the job centre. They have told me that if the course is under 16 hours per week then I can still get JSA. The course is 6 hours per day - less lunch - so falls in that category. As the access course is for health and social care, I am hopeful that the college will help me to get part time work at the hospital (or elsewhere) and I will get off benefits. I`m going to be at the same college as my daughters. That should embarass them.

kelloggs36 · 21 May 2007 at 1:40PM

Access courses are generally under 16 hrs per week - I completed one 2 years ago (have almost completed my second year at uni). As I was not a benefit claimant, I had to get a certificate from the college to send to the Council Tax but we didn't get any discount that year as the course was only 15 hrs per week. Therefore, unless you are taking additional modules which take it over the limit, you will be fine. Good luck. University means that you won't get Income support, but you will qualify for the bursary.