Can I still recieve ESA benefit while studying?

squishyxo

I am currently on ESA benefit as I cannot work due to mental illnesses,I am in the work related activity group. I want to start a college course in September as part of my recovery. The course is part time and I will be doing 15 hours a week. There is a fee including a £750 fee to reserve my place , but being out of work I cannot pay this nor will ESA cover it.

The college suggested applying for a Professional and Career Development Loan, but I'm not sure if the job centre will count this as income. If they do, they will cut my ESA benefit.

If anyone has any advice on what to do or if they know anything about this, it is greatly appreciated! It's very frustrating when you're trying to get better but they make it so difficult and stressful.

poppy12345

squishyxo wrote: »

I am currently on ESA benefit as I cannot work due to mental illnesses,I am in the work related activity group. I want to start a college course in September as part of my recovery. The course is part time and I will be doing 15 hours a week. There is a fee including a £750 fee to reserve my place , but being out of work I cannot pay this nor will ESA cover it.

The college suggested applying for a Professional and Career Development Loan, but I'm not sure if the job centre will count this as income. If they do, they will cut my ESA benefit.

If anyone has any advice on what to do or if they know anything about this, it is greatly appreciated! It's very frustrating when you're trying to get better but they make it so difficult and stressful.

Which ESA are you claiming, Income Related or Contribution based and do you claim PIP/DLA?

squishyxo

poppy12345 wrote: »

Which ESA are you claiming, Income Related or Contribution based and do you claim PIP/DLA?

Income related, and I don't claim PIP or DLA.

poppy12345

squishyxo wrote: »

Income related, and I don't claim PIP or DLA.

Then you won't be able to attend college and claim ESA, to be able to do this you would need a PIP/DLA award. See this link.
https://www.turn2us.org.uk/Benefit-guides/Full-time-students-and-benefits/Can-full-time-students-claim-disability-benefits

squishyxo

But does that only apply to full time students? I will be part time.

poppy12345

squishyxo wrote: »

But does that only apply to full time students? I will be part time.

12 hours or more is classed as full time.

poppy12345

Have a read of this. I would advice you to speak to students services of the college, as they will be able to advice you further. Students and benefits are complicated.
https://www.turn2us.org.uk/Benefit-guides/Part-time-students-and-benefits/Can-part-time-students-claim-disability-benefits

squishyxo

I am a bit confused, as It says this on the page you linked:

"You may be able to qualify for income-related Employment and Support Allowance as a part-time student if you are studying 16 hours or less per week."

poppy12345

squishyxo wrote: »

I am a bit confused, as It says this on the page you linked:

"You may be able to qualify for income-related Employment and Support Allowance as a part-time student if you are studying 16 hours or less per week."

Which is why i advised you to speak to student services.