Benefits Whilst Completing an Access Course

fryster2006

Hi all,

This is a bit of a long winded one so bear with me!

Me and my wife have five children, our 6 year old has downs and my wife claims DLA and carers allowance for him. Obviously during the day he is at school.
My 2 month old has a severe heart condition, I couldn't cope with work due to the stress this caused and was signed off sick. I have now left my job because of this, and am in the process of claiming incapacity benefit/income support. Once she is 3 months we will apply for DLA for her and I'll claim carers allowance.
We currently receive full housing benefit and council tax benefit.

My wife has decided to go to college full time to complete an access course,she is happy to pay for the course herself. Is she allowed to do this? I'm worried that we will be liable for the rent or council tax, can she study full time and be a carer even though my son is at school during the day so it will make no odds whether she's at home or not?

Sorry for the mumble jumble!

Eager_Elephant

If your wife is a student and attends a course for more than 21 hours a week then she is classed as being in full time education which means that Carer's Allowance cannot be paid.

I suggest you get in contact with your local Jobcentre and ask them directly.

As long as your income is within the bracket to receive Housing and Council Tax Benefit you will continue to do so.

EE

rachnbri

Access courses are usually arranged so that people on benefits can do them without it affecting any benefit, ie under 16 hours a week. She also should not have to pay for the course if she (or the family) is in receipt of income support.

fryster2006

Thanks for your replies. She is adamant the course is 16 hours a week. We are still waiting to hear about IS etc. I'll try to get her to hold off paying for the course until we receive IS etc.

Thankyou!

alwaysonthego_2

She should also be able to claim Adult learning grant which is £30 per week and she should get her fees paid for and be entitled to claim from the access fund at college

kelloggs36

i did an Access course and it worked out to be less than 16 hours per week. You get a certificate from the college which confirms the hours which you send in to the benefits people to confirm that they have the correct info. It won't affect any benefits. Different story if she wants to go to uni though.