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Higher education

Talk to other parents whose children are preparing for university on our Higher Education forum.

Original poster

Can you be on benefits and do an evening course? Quite urgent and long...

10 replies

pearleyes · 04/01/2009 00:22

In Sept I enrolled on a vocational course as things were not looking good at work and I thought I might need to add another string to my bow career wise.

I've since been made redundant so started the process to get contribution based job seekers allowance and/or my NI contributions paid.

I'm worried as the form asks if you are doing a college course and if so that you have to fill in another form (ES567S).

I have been attending the course since September 08 while in full-time employment. The hours are 6-9pm two evenings a week. My normal work hours are between 8-6pm and therefore I would be able to work if I continue doing this course.

Will I be made to stop this course in order to get contribution based job seekers allowance/National Insurance contributions paid?

I'm so stressed by this....

Thanks

OP posts:
itsaJollyHolidayForMary · 04/01/2009 00:25

I will watch this with interest as we are in similar situation. DH just lost his job and possibly wanting to do a course to increase employment options/chances...

Sorry I have no answer for you

scrooged · 04/01/2009 00:25

My friend was on benefits for a while and they paid her to do an evening course to get her off JSA. You should still be able to do the course as it increases your job prospects. Just check with them as any grant/bursary is classed as income. You shouldn't have to stop, they encourage it!

wrinklytum · 04/01/2009 00:28

I think if you are on benefits they will fund the course for you

theboob · 04/01/2009 00:29

yes you can,i'm at college on a full time course and have friends who are on benifits too,college will even pay for childcare and the course is also free to low income households

Original poster
pearleyes · 04/01/2009 00:31

Hi both - thanks for your responses.

Mary - sorry to hear about your husband losing his job.

Scrooged - that is good news - I paid for the course myself so not getting a grant or bursary. Did they take your friend off JSA when she went on the evening course or did she stay on JSA while on the course?

OP posts:
itsaJollyHolidayForMary · 04/01/2009 00:33

pearleyes - I cant see why they would take you off - the idea is that they do not want you doing anything that stops you actively seeking work right? So if you are available 9-5 to search for work, then it is not interfering?

Original poster
pearleyes · 04/01/2009 00:34

hi - theboob - do they get you to sign something to say you will give up your course if offered appropriate full-time job?

Can they dictate the hours you work? I can work 10-6 so can they tell you what to do in what would be your free time in the evening say after 6pm?

OP posts:
scrooged · 04/01/2009 00:36

She stayed on it and they gave her money to buy things for the course. They really do want you to improve your prospects, just not to earn whilst you are doing it.
You may be able to get a refund on some of the course costs if you ask the college and tell them your situation. Every little helps right!

theboob · 04/01/2009 00:39

you can go on income support and as you are classed as a student they cant do anything until you finish the course unless you want to be looking ,you can speak to somebody about it all at the job centre ,i know from my friend they are very much behind student parents as are college

scrooged · 04/01/2009 00:41

If you are a student it gets you off the 'out of work' statistics so it keeps them happy.

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