Study and carers allowance

[Winolicious]

Hi all, looking to hear from any carers who have went back to college part time and could still claim carers allowance? I would like to study part time in childcare to get back into the workplace as I’ve been caring for a number of years and feel I would be really good this type of work but I don’t have the qualifications. Does anyone know who I could speak to about this as I’ve been reading up and it sounds simple enough ie as long as under 21 hours of study a week. Everything I’m trying to do seems to have a barrier because of the chance of losing carers allowance which I can’t afford to. Can anyone give me some advice? Thanks

I went back into education when caring for an elderly family member. It was very straightforward as others in the family stepped up to help with the caring and the hours were just under the threshold. It also meant that I had something else to do when they passed away and really helped me when I was grieving. It would have been so much harder if I was solely focused on their care. And now, a decade later, I am studying for a masters! Really recommend it but you do need to make sure that the teaching hours fit in with what you are allowed.

Yes it’s the 21 hour threshold and if it includes study or not: I’ve read some oeopl have been caught out and then not entitled to keep their ca. I think I’ll need to speak to the college as it’s quite vague. Thankyou and good luck with your masters!

I was studying part time while claiming carers allowance. My tutor was sent a form to complete about the hours.

I claim CA and study part time through the OU, so it is distance learning. It is a form of healthy escapism for me. Good luck and I hope you can pursue your dream of going to study childcare, definitely enquire about it at college so you know where you stand.

Any study that you are expected to do in your own time counts as hours, so even if you only do 21 hours a week in college, you will only be eligible if you aren't expected to do any homework which is unlikely.
I am doing a part time PhD and have qualified but that is because I am completely lab based and so can't do much from home.