Entitled to benefits??

top_drawer_2

hi,

My circumstances have changed recently and I have been trying to find out if I am entitled to any benefits as financially I am struggling.

I am registered at my uni as being "exams without attendance" as I did all my courses but wasnt able to sit the exams due to illness. I have tried to student union and the guy simply didnt seem to listen to anything I said ... he kept asking if I was full or part time and I told him repeatedly that I am neigher. He didnt seem to be able to get his head around the idea and has now come back saying that I am not entitled to anything benefit wise due to this - it really was the most frustrating experience ever! I dont relish the thought of trying again...

I am living in a privately rented house, I work part-time but am struggling to keep up with this as I have so much stuff to do etc.

I have tried entitledto and that wasnt a great deal of help as I dont understand my university status either.

I don't know what other information I can offer but I really need to find out if I may be entitled to benefits or where I can find this info from.

Jen

msmicawber

I assume it's only your finals that you now have to sit - is that right? If that's the case, then you'll only have a week or so when you have to attend in May/June to sit the exams. In that case, I suspect that you aren't considered a student at all for benefits purposes, but employed part-time, since student status has to do with attendance at college/university therefore being unavailable for work.

You may be entitled to housing & council tax benefits by reason of being on a low income, so I'd recommend that you contact your local Council. Check their web site as well as it may have a benefits calculator on it.

top_drawer_2

hi,

I have exams in May and more in August (there are a lot to sit so having to do it in two rounds). Yes these are finals.

Jen

msmicawber

Definitely contact your council about help with your rent and council tax, then (as you're no longer a full-time student you will have to pay council tax).

Have you enquired whether you're eligible for anything from the hardship fund at Uni? On the basis that you haven't finished your course yet aren't able to work full-time as you have so many exams pending, they may be able to assist you financially. Try speaking to someone in the Finance Office rather than the Students' Union about that. (I have assumed that your student loan is all spent.)

top_drawer_2

hi,

My LL is supposed to sort out the council tax as its written into the contract that that is covered.

The hardship fund say that as a Exams without attendance student they cant consider any application. I didnt get a student loan for this year as I am not entitled to it as a Exams without attendance student ...

I really am bu%%ered.

Jen

msmicawber

Not necessarily, Jen. Have you spoken to the local Council about help with your rent and council tax? If not, apply now as you've nothing to lose.

I know it's not easy, especially if you've been ill, but it is possible to work full-time and study - I've done it and I've also got two children. You may need to increase your hours at work or find a bar job to augment your wages. It's only for a few months.

top_drawer_2

hi,

I currently work part-time and I am struggling. I suffer with depression and my course is very demanding; the tutors are inflexible enough as it is about working around me being part-time - they cant seem to see that I am doing my best in bad circumstances, they just see it as being awkward about the times I can come in.

I've been doing this since last semtember and I don't think I can do it much more.

Jen

msmicawber

Hi,

Try to keep positive - not easy when you suffer depression, I know, but you're so close to finishing now and it would be such a shame to give up. In fairness to your lecturers, they have to fit in your appointments with their teaching times, tutor appointments with other students, marking, preparation, staff meetings, administration and their own personal lives.

Once you have next month's exams out of the way that will allow you to concentrate on August's exams. You can do it.

Gemmzie

Can you work 16 hours and get WTC?

top_drawer_2

hi,

I have only recently accepted a job at littlewoods call centre, the hours im on now are currently at 25. I don't know if I would be able to cut down that far and I have had much luck applying for pub jobs recently - I think my age goes against me now plus that everyone and his dog is applying for these jobs...

Jen

msmicawber

Here you go, Jen: http://www.preston.gov.uk/Category.asp?cat=1388
There's even a link to download an application form. Best wishes.