ESA & Advanced Learner Loan

KOVU

I am 27, I've been on ESA work related activity group for the past 8+ years for mental health issues. For the past few years I have found myself increasingly frustrated that I may never reach a point where I can change my situation, I have little to no education past school, no work experience, and no prospects for the future. My issues mean that I find social situations extremely difficult and distressing, I have been trying to work on that, though I still find it rather difficult.

I would like to be able to complete my college education, this would put me on a better standing education, employment and prospect wise and at the same time help me get more used to social situations. The course I am looking at is a part time Access to HE, so I think I might be able get along with it easier without overwhelming myself.

What I need advice about is would my ESA payments discontinue if I took out the Advance Learner Loan needed for the course? I am reluctant to ask this of the ESA governing body for fear that they will cancel my payments. I cannot afford to risk taking the course loan if it means losing my ESA. I live with my mother who is unable to work and who struggles to pay the mortgage. Without my ESA we would of lost the family home years ago, and it would hurt the both of us to lose it. My brother died in this house and I'm afraid for my mother if she should be forced to leave.

Alice_Holt

Give the Disabled Students Helpline a ring:
https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/how-we-can-help/helplines/disabled-students-helpline

"Telephone: 0800 328 5050

Opening hours: 11am-1pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays

email: students@disabilityrightsuk.org

Our advisors can advise and support disabled people who are studying or wish to study at any level on full-time or part-time education or training courses if
the course is in England and
they are over 16

We can advise and support
disabled students or
parents and/or carers of disabled students or
professionals working with disabled students"

They should be able to give you a definitive answer.

This is one of their guides which may be of use:
https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/funding-further-education-disabled-students

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

Tommo1980

The loan is to cover the course fees so you shouldn't lose money. But you may still need to inform DWP.

Best to do as Alice suggests and get a definitive answer.

Tom