Single parent starting uni

nanamoan

Finally I am able to become a full time student having worked full time alongside study since the age of 17. I have been told I have a place for starting the PGCE in September. I know I am entitled to bursary (£6k), maintainence grant, student loans, dont have to pay council tax etc. but a few people seem to think that as a single parent of a teenager, I should be able to claim HB, free dinners and stuff - having never claimed benefit and only been entitled to Child Benefit and £40/ month WFTC, I have no idea how these things are achieved, assessed or received. I already have a NUS card (am completing my degree with the OU) which is getting me some great savings.
Anyone have any ideas how I can get some more income (or apply/ be entitled to any benefits) and save my expenditure over the next year?
All advice most welcome
Thanks, nana

Broke_Student

Just wanted to say congratulations on finally being able to be a full time student. I've only just turned 20 but know what an exciting feeling it can be as I was forced to take a gap year in order to study what I wanted.

If you worked full time since 17 then did you complete your A-levels by self study? How long did that take?

nanamoan

I finished my A levels at college when I was 17. Then have worked and managed to complete BTEC Nat Certificate (equivalent to BB A level grades), Chartered Institute of Marketing Advanced Certificate (equivalent to A grade A level), Chartered Institute of Marketing Post Grad Diploma (Distinction/ Merit), currently in final module of BA (Hons) Literature degree with OU (expected to get 2.1), also doing Diploma in Drama (foundation degree level course equivalent to another 60 points on my degree). Strangely I like study and get bored when I havent got anything to do of an evening - am thinking that teaching is going to be great for me!! Its just the worry of money, I know other people manage it so am sure I can afford it, just some folks keep telling me I am entitled to stuff that I am not sure about.
Thanks, nana

Broke_Student

The welfare department at my University is very helpful. Maybe you can contact yours before the start of the year and they will let you know what you are entitled to and where to apply.

Cleosmum

You should be able to get help with your rent, put in a HB application, the worst that can happen is they say no. Could you apply to the learner support fund for extra help? Some good info here http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/UniversityAndHigherEducation/StudentFinance/FinanceForNewStudents/DG_071490 and you can get a dvd here http://unimoney.direct.gov.uk/?pro=unimoney&cre=creativea

Hope those help and enjoy the course!

Oldernotwiser

Don't forget that you won't pay tax or NI on any of this income and that you'll be able to work in the holidays. Have you looked at the Graduate Teacher Programme in your area?

nanamoan

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

Don't forget that you won't pay tax or NI on any of this income and that you'll be able to work in the holidays. Have you looked at the Graduate Teacher Programme in your area?

Yes, I was lucky and got offered a place on both courses - the GTP and the PGCE. It seems that I get more money in my pocket (with the student loan taken into consideration) by taking the PGCE which is also recognised overseas as well. With the GTP I would have to pay tax on the £14k earnt and still pay council tax, I wouldnt be able to claim WFTC as they take into account your whole year earnings and my current wage is too high (apparently - at the moment I only get £40/ month, which I find strange). Am looking into options of working in holidays/ weekends/ evenings, I also used to own a bar so should be able to get bar work if I get mega stuck. Would this be taxed though?

Oldernotwiser

nanamoan wrote: »

Yes, I was lucky and got offered a place on both courses - the GTP and the PGCE. It seems that I get more money in my pocket (with the student loan taken into consideration) by taking the PGCE which is also recognised overseas as well. With the GTP I would have to pay tax on the £14k earnt and still pay council tax, I wouldnt be able to claim WFTC as they take into account your whole year earnings and my current wage is too high (apparently - at the moment I only get £40/ month, which I find strange). Am looking into options of working in holidays/ weekends/ evenings, I also used to own a bar so should be able to get bar work if I get mega stuck. Would this be taxed though?

Only if you earn over your personal allowance.

nanamoan

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

Only if you earn over your personal allowance.

which I will have already done prior to becoming a student in my current full time position ... damn .... may not work out financially viable to work whilst as student then?

iffy0_0

Hiya, sounds like similar circumstances to me try for child tax credit too, -low income under£14,000.

Oldernotwiser

nanamoan wrote: »

which I will have already done prior to becoming a student in my current full time position ... damn .... may not work out financially viable to work whilst as student then?

What about private tuition? Relevant experience, higher rate and no tax. (I didn't say that really!)