UC & part time student enquiry 21 October 2022 at 2:05PM in Benefits & tax credits 10 replies 226 views

Stripe85

Hello,

I have a disability and get full PIP and LCWRA, and so there is an ESA component along with UC.

I would like to start a part time course, that will work around my disability, but I'm terrified of contacting DWP and them take my benefits away. 

I don't know what to do. 

I am worried they will take my benefits away and ask me to look for work, but that is not possible because of my disability. 

Unlike others without a disability, I cannot study and work at the same time due to the debilitating nature of my disability. 

I would really appreciate your help please. 

Stripe85

Sorry, meant to say I can't work because of disability but doing a part time course will hopefully be something I can do. 

Stripe85

It will hopefully lead to a job where I can work 4 or do hours a month that works around the needs of my disability. 

poppy12345

There's no rules against being a part time student while claiming any of your benefits. However, if studying part time contradicts the reasons why you were found to have LCWRA then it could go against you when you are next reviewed.

Stripe85 said:

I have a disability and get full PIP and LCWRA, and so there is an ESA component along with UC.

Just so that you are aware, ESA is different to UC. LCWRA is part of UC and nothing to do with ESA.

Stripe85

Thank you Poppy. I have a chronic condition that causes a lot of fatigue. There will be a lot of flexibility because of my disability - sitting out of things here and there - and I can do homework in my own time when I am not suffering with the crushing fatigue, which is unpredictable. It does involve being in a classroom. My assessment was based around level of fatigue. Do you think they will think this is reasonable? They might say, well you can go to class one day a week, so you can work. 

Spoonie_Turtle

Stripe85 said:

Thank you Poppy. I have a chronic condition that causes a lot of fatigue. There will be a lot of flexibility because of my disability - sitting out of things here and there - and I can do homework in my own time when I am not suffering with the crushing fatigue, which is unpredictable. It does involve being in a classroom. My assessment was based around level of fatigue. Do you think they will think this is reasonable? They might say, well you can go to class one day a week, so you can work. 

The assessment is about the majority of the time.  If you can go to class once a week that doesn't mean you can do that multiple times a week like you'd need to for work.

Do you know which of the LCWRA descriptors they decided apply to you?  Because if you still meet it then this course is irrelevant.  People do sometimes work and are still awarded LCWRA.

Stripe85

They did not say in their letter. It only said that they had decided that I have LCWRA.
I realise PIP is different, but my PIP award had points against descriptors - preparing food, washing and bathing, toilet needs, dressing, with fatigue being the main cause. 

Stripe85

.. there was not anything in my pip award regarding ability to engage and interact with people. There is enhanced physical needs and fatigue because of chronic health condition. 

poppy12345

Decision letters for LCWRA are always very basic and they never tell you the reasons why you were found to have LCWRA.

Spoonie_Turtle

Oh that's true, I'd forgotten LCWRA letters are very basic.  You can request a copy of the report to find out if you'd like.  Or have a look here (scroll down) and see if any fit:
https://www.entitledto.co.uk/help/esa_criteria
It says ESA but the criteria are essentially the same.

huckster

Why not contact local Job Centre and see if you can book an appointment with a Disability Employment Advisor (DEA) to discuss.  The DEA role in Job Centres is to support disabled people and they will have contacts with many different organisations/employers in your local area, who can support you finding suitable employment.