Undergraduate: Income Support/Housing Benefit?

[BCD]

Hello there,

I would appreciate a bit of advice on the following problem, if you can help.

From September, I will be studying for my first degree at university, and as I am 26, I am classed as a mature student. However, due to illness, I have been unable to work since leaving school, and I am currently getting Income Support (I have had this benefit since 2004). The medical people I see are encouraging me to go to uni', but are not so keen on me going to work, unfortunately. I have been awarded the full tuition fees loan and the highest rate of maintenance grant. I have around £1000 in savings.

My questions:

1-The course is classed as full time, yet is only 16 hours a week. Would I still be eligible to receive Income Support?

2-If I get myself a privately rented flat/maisonette (for example), would I be entitled to Housing Benefit? And if so, is there a maximum amount that I can get?

3-Would the benefit people look at it and think "If he's well enough to go to uni', he's well enough to go to work"?

Many, many thanks for your advice.

Chris

[Goldlady]

I don't know enough about the benefits system, but hopefully if I respond to your post someone else might be able to help. I would think that you would still be entitled to income support from what you have said, but it would be reduced by any amounts you receive in grants etc. (but hopefully not the tuition fees) Are you actually on Income support only or are you getting some sort of disability benefits as well?

I have a friend who was on disability benefits and was given loads of support and encouragement by the benefits people to start her own business. I am sure there are benefits advisers who could help you with all these issues.

You need to do that course. You owe it to yourself

[Joa]

BCD- which uni you are going to? I'll get the contact details to your prospective uni advice centre. Student advisers are used to this kind of queries- if, for some reasons you are not getting good advice, come back here and I'll help.

[BCD]

Thanks people.

I'm going to Birmingham City University, to study building surveying.

I am currently receiving IS.

Thanks a lot.

[Joa]

BCD; For information and advice, you can contact your prospective Student Union's Advice Centre on
0121 331 6801 or union.advice-centre@bcu.ac.uk

Few pointers: if the course is classified as Full Time by the course provider- then it is full time no matter how many hours. This means that from the day your course starts, you will not be entitled to IS unless you are in receipt of disability benefits. Most probably though whilst you would remain entitled (if in receipt of disab bens)- you will not actually be paid, because your student support income will be higher then IS applicable amount. So you will be "means-tested" out of IS.
You may be entitled to HB (if you are in receipt of disability/sickness benefits) and your Maint Loan (but not grant) will be taken into consideration as an income.
As for disability and studying; you really need to have a chat with your SU advice centre or the Uni's Student Services on 0121 331 5588 (ask for disability services).