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ESA / PIP / Part time college course

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I am looking into undertaking a part time college course that lasts 2 months.  I am receiving ESA (WRAG) and PIP, for a number of mental and physical health problems.  None of them would make me unsuitable for the course i would like to undertake, but I am a still slightly apprehensive regarding the benefits side of the equation.  If I go ahead will I lose all benefits or would my ESA be downgraded back to JSA.  In reality, the course would give me a decent chance of getting back into work, which is something i would like to do.  Being on ESA was never supposed to be a permanent thing for me, just a chance to find new options that will fit around my problems.  But if the course didn't lead anywhere I would prefer to not have to go through the whole process of re-applying for it again.

I was originally in support group for the ESA, but after a medical they downgraded me to work activity group, although my primary health problem precludes me from ever attending any of those sessions and forever since (2+ year) I only ever get a handful of letters from them per year (rate changes).  As I understand it, being in WRAG would allow me to attend college, as it technically is a work related activity.  I am on the lower rate of PIP.

At present I have made enquiries about the course, but not received an offer or even spoken to the college yet.

Comments

  • poppy12345
    poppy12345 Posts: 18,882 Forumite
    Tenth Anniversary 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Part time college would not affect either ESA or PIP, though you should tell ESA that you'll be attending college. (if you need to attend)
     If I go ahead will I lose all benefits or would my ESA be downgraded back to JSA.

    It's not possible for that to happen because they are 2 completely different benefits.
  • NitroBN
    NitroBN Posts: 85 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    edited 24 January 2022 at 7:50PM
    Edit: Content deleted due to MSE editorial teams current policy and methods of addressing cyber bullying in their forums is to silence the victims.
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