Studying and benefits

alexandrajj

Just a query really. I get benefits due to ill health. If I were to take a college/Uni course, would my IS, ESA, DLA be effected? Does it depend in how many hours I study? Is there a difference if I take a college course rather than a Uni course? Does it make a difference if I physically attend or take a distance learning course (like Open University)?

Thanks.

Dunroamin

Are you thinking of studying full or part time?

alexandrajj

It depends on how it would affect my benefits!

Ideally I'd like to do full-time distance learning higher education. If it was attending an educational establishment then it would have to be part-time. I could not manage full-time attendance. I would not be eligible for student loans due to previous study.

pmlindyloo

alexandrajj wrote: »

Just a query really. I get benefits due to ill health. If I were to take a college/Uni course, would my IS, ESA, DLA be effected? Does it depend in how many hours I study? Is there a difference if I take a college course rather than a Uni course? Does it make a difference if I physically attend or take a distance learning course (like Open University)?

Thanks.

Reading your previous posts you are a lone parent.

If this is still the case then there are lots of loans/grants/benefits available for you especially since you are also disabled.

The welfare department at whatever place of education you choose will be able to help you with the financial side of things.

It will vary depending on the course you choose/whether it is further education or higher education and whether it is full/part time (complicated isn't it? ) so I should investigate the different courses available and then go from there.

A link to get you started:

http://www.turn2us.org.uk/?page=19668

PS Just a small point - on what basis are you claiming ESA and IS? Or did you mean ESA with an income based top up?

alexandrajj

I meant ESA with a IS top up and I now have a partner. It was my understanding that studying would not affect the benefits as long as a student loan was not involved. I am not eligible for a student loan due to previous study. I also thought that distance learning study didn't affect benefits no matter how many credits were involved. If I am wrong on these points then I will forget my ideas about study.

pmlindyloo

alexandrajj wrote: »

I meant ESA with a IS top up and I now have a partner. It was my understanding that studying would not affect the benefits as long as a student loan was not involved. I am not eligible for a student loan due to previous study. I also thought that distance learning study didn't affect benefits no matter how many credits were involved. If I am wrong on these points then I will forget my ideas about study.

Don't give up so easily

Since your circumstances have changed since you last studied then there may be grants (which you don't have to pay back) available.

Whatever course you do my understanding is that you will still be entitled to ESA as you are receiving DLA.

Another link to read:

http://disabilityrightsuk.org/how-we-can-help/individuals/education/frequently-asked-questions-students

Dunroamin

alexandrajj wrote: »

It depends on how it would affect my benefits!

Ideally I'd like to do full-time distance learning higher education. If it was attending an educational establishment then it would have to be part-time. I could not manage full-time attendance. I would not be eligible for student loans due to previous study.

Do you realise that you'll have to pay all or part of your own fees if you've studied at this level before?

alexandrajj

But is distance learning higher education treated the same as attending a university?

A few years ago, I'm sure I read that 120 credits at a Uni you attend is classed as full time but even if you do 120 distance learning then it is still considered part-time. Is this right still?

alexandrajj

pmlindyloo wrote: »

Don't give up so easily

Since your circumstances have changed since you last studied then there may be grants (which you don't have to pay back) available.

Whatever course you do my understanding is that you will still be entitled to ESA as you are receiving DLA.

Another link to read:

http://disabilityrightsuk.org/how-we-can-help/individuals/education/frequently-asked-questions-students

And still get IS top up?

Dunroamin

alexandrajj wrote: »

But is distance learning higher education treated the same as attending a university?

A few years ago, I'm sure I read that 120 credits at a Uni you attend is classed as full time but even if you do 120 distance learning then it is still considered part-time. Is this right still?

How many years of full or part time study at this level have you done?

alexandrajj

Dunroamin wrote: »

How many years of full or part time study at this level have you done?

Full degree years ago so in eligible for student loans.