to think if you want a new qualification get on benefits!!

[TheFeministParent]

WEll not really but I have just learned a cousin of mine, after leaving her partner and taking her three dcs to live in one of the roughest estates in England (another story), has just started a degree course. As a single parent of three living in a HA house she's allowed govt help to get educated...which is great, we should support people who want to educate themselves out of poverty. However I would love to do a bit of post grad study whilst my dcs are at home (in evenings) but I can't afford it, literally have nowhere to make savings...it will make me more employable following a HUGE break to have dcs.

So why can't I get help? I have as little disposable income as my cousin.

FP after reading everyones responses do you now feel your original post was perhaps a tad "unreasonable"? :)

I would like to retrain to make at least one of these business ideas a reality

Right now if you are qualified and ready to get up and running without any outlay I really wouldn't be starting a business personally.

*aren't qualified sorry.

BertieBotts "Just to clear up the myths - if on a low income, doing your first degree qualification at a bricks and mortar uni as a mature student (over 21) it's a grant rather than a loan"

Actually, to make it a little more clear it's worth pointing out that whilst you may be entitled to a maintenance grant (which I assume it what you're referring to), you'll still have to take out a tuition fee loan the same as all other students (usual exceptions withstanding).

OP YABU, and should spend some time researching your options for PG funding.

No, I didn't, I got a course grant which pays the tuition fees. I don't get a maintenence grant at all.

This is for a part time course though, sorry, I didn't specify. If it was full time then yes I believe it is a loan as any other student would have to take out, and you would probably be able to apply for a maintenance grant as it's harder to work when a full time student.

Here is the direct.gov page about part time study.

I think it was a tad stupid to mention people getting help on benefits....but am I unreasonable to expect assistance in retraining? I don't think so.

We've all done stupid AIBUs.

I think it's unreasonable to expect help retraining - but if you tell us more, I bet someone will be able to tell you the best ways of finding it/moving forwards.

I think you can't expect help, as it would be unfair if anyone who wanted to faff around as a student forever (not you - but there are people like this) could simply claim to be 'retraining' and get endless help.

LRD..I may just start another!! then this one will go to sleep!

MN? Go to sleep instead of flaming? Never!

See you on the new thread.

Cheers...

It's a simple concept OP - you aren't POOR enough. Does that mean anything to you?

here

For the delightful BBE