Benefits after finishing University - Confusion

Martin660

Hey guys!

I've tried to do some research on this already and have filled out a few online calculators, but I'm still confused over a few things.

I'm just coming to the end of my undergraduate degree at university as a full time student. I'm thinking about doing a new part time course at University starting from September which will mean I will be eligible for council tax. I've also already secured my own place to rent for next year from July onwards. I will be getting a small amount of student finance for this as it will be a STEM subject as a second undergraduate degree, but part time this time.

I also work part time doing a couple of overnight shifts a week, on average doing 12-14 hours per week. I'm 27, and will be living alone in my new rented flat from July.

My question is- will I be entitled to any benefits or anything once I cease to become a full time student? Obviously with my part time education starting in September I don't want to commit to working full time again just yet, and with a much higher rent from July, and council tax to pay, I'm starting to worry that I'm going to struggle a lot!

Cheers!

Martin

huckster

So have you found out whether your flat is in a Universal Credit area ? By July/September it probably will be, if it is not at the moment.

Visit Gov.uk or Entitledto or other benefit calculator and see what they tell you.

Do you suffer from any health condition that requires support ?

What student finance will you be receiving ?

What will your monthly earned income be approx ?

Your problem is going to be that even if you qualified for a benefit such as Universal Credit, is that any benefit money will be delayed for over a month. You will have to supply details of student finance, employment contracts, housing etc and wait for a decision to be made. Your student finance and employment earings would be taken into account, therefore the amount of benefit money you would get would be uncertain.

Is there anyone at the University/student union that can assist you ? They might refer you to someone expert in student finance/benefits, that will point you in the right direction. You are not going to be the only person in this position !

Sncjw

Are you allowed to do a second undergraduate degree when completing the first one? Wouldn!!!8217;t it be a post graduate degree

Ames

You wouldn't be entitled to housing benefit to cover all your rent. As you're under 35 you'd only be entitled to the shared room rate, which is based on rents for a room in a shared house. I'm pretty sure this is the same under universal credit.

(Unless you're disabled or a single parent).

Mrs_Ryan

Sncjw wrote: »

Are you allowed to do a second undergraduate degree when completing the first one? Wouldn!!!8217;t it be a post graduate degree

Yes you can do a second undergrad degree and be funded by SFE after completing the first as long as it is a STEM (Science, technology, engineering, maths and allied subjects) subject as there is a shortage. I’m considering doing it myself if I don’t get onto a PhD- I have a degree and I’m currently completing a Masters but I’m considering doing a degree with the OU in Psychology/Health Science which falls under the Science category.

[Deleted User]

You should have a couple of months between courses, at least so perhaps a full time job over this period (with your current employer?) might be a good idea?