Can I go to college whilst in the ESA support group?

RainyDays1999

I'm 20 years old and wanting to go back to college to study a level 2 course. I already have 7 GCSEs ranging from A* to C grades.

I was wondering if I'll get any form of funding if I go back to college? The course I want to do is £1665, but I've also got to pay for travel fees as well; about £40 to £50 a week.

I also get standard rate PIP for care needs.

elsien

You probably need to consider what course you will be doing, and whether it and/or the hours you spend doing it conflicts with the reasons you are on ESA and in the support group. They may ask how you are able to attend college but be unable to work.

Sheepski

Yes you can study even full time (because of PIP) while on ESA.

Funding wise though; it depends what you're studying, there are some grants and burseries available to some people. Best to look through the course provider for information on that.

poppy12345

Are you claiming Income Related ESA or Contributions based? Some students grants/loans are classed as income when claiming any means tested benefits. I'd advise you to get further advice and speak to disability rights because students and means tested benefits are complicated.
https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/how-we-can-help/helplines/disabled-students-helpline

RainyDays1999

The thing is, is that I'm allowed to do permitted work, but not go to college? That doesn't make much sense to me. But I'm going to enquire on Monday.

RainyDays1999

elsien wrote: »

You probably need to consider what course you will be doing, and whether it and/or the hours you spend doing it conflicts with the reasons you are on ESA and in the support group. They may ask how you are able to attend college but be unable to work.

The thing is, is that I'm allowed to do permitted work, but not go to college? That doesn't make much sense to me. But I'm going to enquire on Monday.

RainyDays1999

Sheepski wrote: »

Yes you can study even full time (because of PIP) while on ESA.

Funding wise though; it depends what you're studying, there are some grants and burseries available to some people. Best to look through the course provider for information on that.

I'm trying to see if I can get a grant/bursary to pay for the course.

Thank you for your response.

MovingForwards

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/grants-education/

Info on bursary/grant.

Any 'income' from the bursary may clash with your ESA and cause it to taper off, but others can explain that side.

poppy12345

RainyDays1999 wrote: »

The thing is, is that I'm allowed to do permitted work, but not go to college? That doesn't make much sense to me. But I'm going to enquire on Monday.

Permitted work can also go against a claimant the next time they are re-assessed if the work they do contradicts the reasons why they are claiming ESA.


What you need to do is get advice about any loans/bursaries that could affect your income related ESA.

elsien

RainyDays1999 wrote: »

The thing is, is that I'm allowed to do permitted work, but not go to college? That doesn't make much sense to me. But I'm going to enquire on Monday.

I'm not saying you can't. But the DWP works in mysterious ways at times so it's just a factor for you to bear in mind in your dealings with them.
To give an extreme example, if you were doing an agricultural course and flinging bales of hay around while saying you had a physical disability, that would raise more queries than a more sedentary course.

RainyDays1999

elsien wrote: »

I'm not saying you can't. But the DWP works in mysterious ways at times so it's just a factor for you to bear in mind in your dealings with them.
To give an extreme example, if you were doing an agricultural course and flinging bales of hay around while saying you had a physical disability, that would raise more queries than a more sedentary course.

Yes, I know what you mean. They try to catch you out on every little thing.I just hope I can get some funding from somewhere because I haven't got loads and loads of money. I'm going to be phoning the DWP on Monday and ask them.