Universal Credit/Single parent

[Bobthefish2]

I applied to do a full time access to HE course earlier this year and would have been financially supported by my husband.
Since then I have seperated from my husband and am entitled to UC.
However I believe that I will no longer be able to claim that - is this correct?
I have 2 children aged 5 and 7 and have zero income right now.
I'm prepared to give up my course and work if need be (was self employed and work dried up over lockdown) but before I do, I wondered if there were any other options?
I don't expect money for nothing - will happily take it as a pay back loan, but just need to ensure I can keep a roof over our heads and feed them.

You can still apply for UC- but you will need to provide evidence of applying for student finance/why you aren’t eligible. You can still study as a single parent with dependent children and claim UC- how much you would get depends on the student finance factor (plus the usual housing/dependent children etc)

Ordinarily you can't get UC for being a full time student, but as you're a lone parent you should still be able to receive it. You can check here: www.turn2us.org.uk/

Have you applied for student loans/grants? If not you need to get onto this asap, if you have let them know about the change in circumstances asap.

Thanks all

I've applied for student loan to cover my fees which has been approved, but I can't find anywhere that I can apply for anything else - it all seems to point to Uni students, but mine is a full time access course at college.

Trying to speak to someone at UC is super hard - I can't get through.

I've got until next week to decide as the course starts the week after.

For colleges use this
www.gov.uk/student-finance/extra-help

If you don't want to use a random link, on the college site look under fees and financial help.

Have a look at your college site as well as they also do various grants depending on circumstances. If that department is open even better, give them a call and they will go through what's available.

If you do decide to study do get the student discount card, it pays for itself very quickly and if you use Amazon, prime is cheaper for students!

Also have a look at entitledto there might be more grants available.

Regarding UC apply anyway if you already haven't, grants/loans iirc aren't paid out until early October.

Also have a look at OU. Many of their courses don't require the same entrance criteria as brick unis. There's also the flexibility you might need because of childcare etc, it's mainly all online. Plus, funding is different and you could be able to get UC. Many single parents I know, myself included went the OU route.

Good luck. If you cannot start this term, don't be deterred. Some courses have a second start date in January/February.

www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/student-loans-income-universal-credit-16862764

Hth

Looks like you can claim uc if you are a single parent and studying. Tuition fees are not deducted from uc but maintenance loans etc would be.... by the looks of it

And good luck!

Just an update (well not really much to say but...)

I've spoken to UC and they have sent my info off to the "decision maker" who decides if I can still claim and I've also applied the college's fund for some financial support so will keep my fingers crossed.
My course starts in just over a week so I'm hoping I hear back soon as I sent all the info off at the start of the week.

Well my course starts on Monday and i've heard nothing.
Have chased UC credit 3 times, and no reply so looks like I won't be able to do it which is a shame.
I have been applying for jobs too, as a back up but like most people - am not getting very far!
I just wanted an answer either way, re studying, as I have no idea what I'm doing week to week at the moment.
Thanks to everyone who posted.

Sorry to hear that @Bobthefish2. Hope your plans are 'just' delayed and you do get to study