Open University + benefits

GiveMeABreak

At the moment I currently get PIP enchanced daily living and stanard mobility rates. I also get housing benefit and I'm in the ESA support group with the severe disability component.

I want to do an open university course from home and was wondering what the complications are with getting student finance and benefits? What am I still entitled to and is there anything I should know?

Thanks.

GiveMeABreak

Anyone have any ideas?

InsideInsurance

You may be better off posting in the benefits forum

noelphobic

Open University study is not normally counted as being full time (even if you intend to complete it in 3 years, as you would with a 'brick' uni). This may be more beneficial in terms of benefits but not sure what the position is.

This gives you some info re fees and funding:-

http://www.open.ac.uk/courses/fees-and-funding

As the previous poster says, it would also be worth posting this on the benefits board.

BigAunty

There was a recent thread on the benefits forum by an ESA claimant who was upset to find out that as they had elected to do a double course (60 units), it was classed as more than part time study and might affect their claim.

Indie_Kid

You're only entitled to a tuition fee loan from student finance. Regardless of how many hours you study, you'rie not entitled to a maintenance loan or grant. People on DLA / PIP can study full time and receive ESA.

GiveMeABreak

Indie_Kid wrote: »

You're only entitled to a tuition fee loan from student finance. Regardless of how many hours you study, you'rie not entitled to a maintenance loan or grant. People on DLA / PIP can study full time and receive ESA.

So I could take a 30 credit module or a 360 credit course and my benefits would not be affected? Is housing benefit still paid?

noelphobic

BigAunty wrote: »

There was a recent thread on the benefits forum by an ESA claimant who was upset to find out that as they had elected to do a double course (60 units), it was classed as more than part time study and might affect their claim.

That's surprising. You need 360 points for an Honours degree so doing 60 points a year would take 6 years. I did that while I was working full time.