Carers allowance and University

[vengeancedemon]

My wife currently receives a carers allowance in respect of son (23) who lives with us

 

She is about to start a degree course (Non residential ) in September, She has in principle been awarded tutuition fees and maintenance grant etc ( student loan) and will be at college approx 2-3 days per week, rest of study is home based

 

Should she a) tell DSS and b) will she loose the benefit?

 

Advice much appreciated

 

Many thenks

[debt4get]

isnt the carers allowance for your son? i know your wife receives it but technically it is the sons to 'buy' help for...probably best to ask the dss and see what they say...dont see why you should lose it

[vengeancedemon]

Thanks, the allowance specifies a quantity of hours per week spent in "caring" ie being available to do whatever is neccessary etc, but will consult with DSS

 

Thanks again

[PriorityOne]

It shouldn't make a difference. 24-hour care, 7 days a week is hugely in excess of the 35 hours a week you need to be actively caring for someone to qualify for this Allowance.

 

You're better off ringing the Carer's Allowance people rather than your local DWP to check it out though...

 

[ErikaPNP]

isnt the carers allowance for your son? i know your wife receives it but technically it is the sons to 'buy' help for...probably best to ask the dss and see what they say...dont see why you should lose it

 

 

Nope, it's his wife's. She is the claimant, it is awarded based upon her circumstances and her income because she is caring for a person who is disabled and receives a qualifying benefit.

 

If she is a full time student (studying for more than 21 hours per week, not necesserily restricted to physical attendance) she will no longer be entitled to Carers Allowance.

 

There is more about students and Carers Allowance in paragraph 60068 here

[vengeancedemon]

Thank you very much, we will study and consult

 

Thank you for your guidance

[alex_the_lad]

I believe there has been a very recent change in the rules. From what I understand the 21 hours rule no longer applies. If an educational institution defines a course as full time then regardless of the hours the student will not be able to claim Carers Allowance. I think this only applies to new claims or people starting courses this year. Definitely advisable to call Carers Allowance Unit before starting a course to get advice.

Edited August 30, 2010 by alex_the_lad
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