Claiming housing benefit as a mature student

maturestudentuk

I am due to start a full time degree this September and I am a bit confused as to whether I am able to continue to claim housing benefit once I do.

I am currently claiming ESA and still awaiting assessment. I don't think I will be assessed before my course starts due to long waiting time for home assessments. I know I will be unable to claim ESA once my course starts.

I have been told that because I have been unable to work for the last 28 weeks due to illness or disability and it has been covered by a sick note then I am able to claim.

Is this the case?

I am 41, single and no dependents, I will be living in the home I am currently in while at university as moving into halls isn't an option, neither is moving somewhere cheaper as it would mean moving areas and having to change doctors etc

If I am able to claim then does any of my maintainence loan count towards it so would there be deductions,

If anyone can help I would be very grateful.

Thank you

Caz3121

there is some information here on students and housing benefit
http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/housing_benefit_and_local_housing_allowance/what_is_housing_benefit/housing_benefit_for_students
http://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/500180/housing_benefit/4212/housing_benefit_and_council_tax_support_for_students
the second link does mention the 28 weeks but note these do say - 'may' be able to receive housing benefit rather than 'can' so you may not know until you apply

Ames

Are you sure you won't be able to claim ESA? Under the old benefits it depended on how many contact hours your course is, and most are under 16.

Yes, the loan counts as income. The full amount you're entitled to is counted, even if you don't take it all. So make sure you do take it!

Do you claim PIP?

Alice_Walker

If you need a home assessment for ESA, how are you going to manage attending university?

HB is available for students who are in receipt of ESA (whilst studying, not before) and those who qualify for the disability premium through entitlement to DLA or PIP. I don't believe the 28 week qualification is enough in itself, that's a rule relating back to incapacity benefit so would rarely apply now.

Eligibility for PIP or DLA would affect your entitlement, as would the type of ESA being claimed (IB/ CB).