Any one a full time student?

[AzureHawker]

Hi,
Me and my partner have recently decided to separate, it was me who Initiated the split but we have both been unhappy for a long time, it’s become unbearable at home and I believe it’s starting to affect our 3 kids.

The main reason I didn’t separate from him before is that I am currently studying an honours degree full time. I’m in 3rd year now so will be finished in 2022. I am really torn about what to do for the best. I don’t want to give up after putting 3 years of extremely hard work into my degree but don’t believe I am entitled to uc as I get a loan of £650 a month in term time, I think I will get some tax credits too but in reality this isn’t enough to pay the rent and everything else as well as the costs associated with studying. My ex hasn’t officially moved out yet so can’t really get the ball rolling and find out exactly what I will be entitled too if I continue with my degree. Is anyone else in this situation and able to tell me how they manage financially? Would be especially helpful to hear from anyone in Scotland!

I’m not in your position now, but was when I was at Uni in 2012 after having my son. The uni I was at (Glasgow) offered a bursary for single parents (possibly not just single parents but that was my situation) - I applied for it via the Uni directly and it was non-repayable, but I did have to also be in receipt of the max loan available to me from SLC. I know the benefits system has changed since then too, but if you search for EntitledTo’s benefits calculator and input your details in there it will show you what, if any, benefits you’re entitled to and should give a clearer indication.

Not sure what age your kids are but I’m sure the Uni also offered a subsidised nursery - wasn’t suitable for me but another option.

Hope that’s helpful in some way!

Forgot to add - Presumably you’ll also be entitled to child maintenance from your partner, which doesn’t count as income for UC as far as I’m aware.

I also spoke to someone at Citizen's Advice Bureau at the time who was really helpful re the benefits situation.

Thank you for your reply, unfortunately all the benefits calculators say they aren’t accurate if you are a student so I have no way of knowing what I will be entitled to until I apply! Luckily my youngest is now 3 so entitled to 30 nursery hours a week but I still have to pay for a couple of days after school care for my older kids.

From what I’ve managed to work out I think my loan will basically cancel out any uc, which seems a little unfair as I have more outgoings in books, travel and childcare etc than if I was claiming uc because i wasn’t working. I am thinking about trying to find a part time job but even if I managed to find something suitable I can’t see how I can fit in 35 hours a week studying, 3 kids and a job.

You may be able to get UC,

I'm a student with one, and got £517/month when me and DD were at my parents.

It's definitely worth applying and seeing. If you don't get much or you're not entitled at least you've tried that option

But since you do have children, you might. SFE does not affect your income, do apply!

There are no tax credits any more. You will get child benefit. And apply for universal credit. I realise it is different for students. But if you rent they will pay towards this and up to 85% of your child care. And as other said. Child support from their other parent. If he can be relied upon.

Hi
I’m a single parent in the third year of a degree in Scotland too.
My situation is slightly different as I live in a mortgaged property ( £600 pm) and still on tax credits instead of UC. I don’t know that much about UC but you should still get the child/family element even if you lose help for housing costs.
I work about 12-15 hours a week to top up my income from student loan, bursary, child benefit, child maintenance and child tax credit. It is doable albeit tight.
Hth