Further Education financial help???

[italiag9018]

Hi all.

I would like to go back to college to do an Access Course in Social work for one year, doing this course will allow me to go on to university and qualify as a social worker. However I have hit a major stumbling block. I recently had a meeting with my lone parent advisor at the jobcentre, she informed me that because of the changes to the benefits system I will no longer receive income support when my son turns five in September, when I would be due to start at college. I would of been transferred to job seekers allowance but because the course is full time I will not be able to receive that either. So basically if I decide to take a place at college I will be down a large amount of money per week and realistically would not be able to manage without the big difference in income.

I have explored many different options to try and get a possible grant for my living expenses whilst I complete the year at college but there seems to be nothing available to me. I really cant understand how there is not any help when I am trying to better myself and the life of my son.

If anybody knows any possible options please let me know.

Thanks

:-)

Do you have a college in mind?
Try Open University, counts as part time even if doing full time (IYSWIM) and LOADS of grants available.
My DH earns £30k+ and we manage fine, but I got £200 profit (after course fees) for this academic year.

Look into it even if not what you were planning.

I do have a college in mind, attended an open day earlier today. I did look into the Open University a little bit worried about the distance as I am based in Manchester and currently not driving at the moment, also ideally would like to be local because my son will attending school in September.

The jobcentre advisor told me that if you studied part time you can sign on but have to be available to work. In the event that a suitable job was found by the job centre you would have to give up your studies and take the job. So this has worried me also.

With OU you do most courses from home with books/internet. Exams etc are in local centres, mines 5miles away. (and tutorials are optional so dont need to travel)
I'm on my second year, and june exams will be the first time I've had to go anywhere!

[OU Social Work www3.open.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/health-and-social-care/index.htm]

Argh http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/health-and-social-care/index.htm

Just been having a look and did not realise that you could study at home. Thanks a lot for the info. Very much appreciated!!!

Yeah,, it's all from home except PHD/research!