Unemployed Student looking to Claim Benefits

DV8

Citizens Advice haven't replied yet, so hoping for some advice here.

I'm still technically a student, currently on intermission and set to return next year; on a break due to anxiety and depression related, approved to take time off by counsellors/Uni/etc.

I've been unemployed for close to three years now, currently living with my rents and not earning anything.

I understand students are typically exempt from benefits, but is there any particularly benefits I should apply for?

I do have a sick note from my doctor indicating not fit for work for the next two months.

Thanks!

sammyjammy

You need to give more info. When did you stop attending your place of study? When do you expect to return? Are you still receiving student loans, funding etc? How are you paying your rent?

DV8

sammyjammy wrote: »

You need to give more info. When did you stop attending your place of study? When do you expect to return? Are you still receiving student loans, funding etc? How are you paying your rent?

Around March 2011, set to return September 2014, been living with rents since, no funding/loans since I left.

von

You can't claim JSA at present because you have a sick note so presumably you're still sick. You can't claim ESA unless you're receiving DLA - that's the condition of entitlement for someone who is still classed as a student.

If you are fit for work before you return to Uni you can claim JSA until you restart Uni, providing you're available for work and actively looking for work.

DV8

von wrote: »

You can't claim JSA at present because you have a sick note so presumably you're still sick. You can't claim ESA unless you're receiving DLA - that's the condition of entitlement for someone who is still classed as a student.

If you are fit for work before you return to Uni you can claim JSA until you restart Uni, providing you're available for work and actively looking for work.

So I can't claim anything. Great.

Littlestars_2

Can you not officially withdraw yourself then reapply for a place as that would not class you as a student at the moment.

DV8

Littlestars wrote: »

Can you not officially withdraw yourself then reapply for a place as that would not class you as a student at the moment.

Doubt it. Degree student btw.

pmlindyloo

This is from a university website about deferring, so it might be worth contacting your own university and asking.

If you defer your studies due to illness Student Finance England can continue to pay any student funding for up to 60 days. If your illness will last more than 60 days or you have deferred for other reasons, then Student Finance England can give discretionary funding. This may be useful if you cannot claim benefits. You should present a strong case with evidence of the reasons you had for deferral of your course.

Dogger69

DV8 wrote: »

Doubt it. Degree student btw.

Have you asked? A three year suspension is very unusual, it would be more usual to leave and then reapply, possibly for entry to year two.

'BTW' you live with your parents.

pmlindyloo wrote: »

This is from a university website about deferring, so it might be worth contacting your own university and asking.

If you defer your studies due to illness Student Finance England can continue to pay any student funding for up to 60 days. If your illness will last more than 60 days or you have deferred for other reasons, then Student Finance England can give discretionary funding. This may be useful if you cannot claim benefits. You should present a strong case with evidence of the reasons you had for deferral of your course.

SFE are not going to provide funding for someone that has been away for so long. The most they would normally provide for is the rest of the academic year.

Littlestars_2

DV8 wrote: »

Doubt it. Degree student btw.

As said can you ask? because its the only way you would not be classified as a student and if you can reapply then your problem is sorted.

Dunroamin

What year of your degree did you drop out from?