Benefits and college...

[zmandaz]

Just out of interest does anyone know how you stand if you want to go to college but get IS/child related benefits? Would the benefits stop or can you do a course and claim at the same time? Thanks.

I do a part time college course (1 day) and it doesn't effect my income support. As far as I am aware it doesn't effect it if you do a fulltime course either.

If you were claiming job seekers then it would be effected, as obviously you wouldn't be seeking work or available for work as you'd be in college.

I was on income support for 3 years while i did a college course.

I had IS whilst at uni - you have to reiterate to them that it is income SUPPORT - not INCOME ... therefore whatever grants etc you get, it is to support them so you can live (IE if you get childcare money; it isn't for YOU - it is for childcare so IS have to ignore it)

They are thick as 2 short planks though so you may have a fight on your hands!

Thanks. I'm trying to pass my driving instructor exams but they're really hard so I've been thinking that if it doesn't work out I'd like to look at doing something at college as I have no qualifications so am limited to the type of work I can do. If it won't affect my benefits then that's my plan B!

Lewis I am surprised, all teh single aprents here only get IS in the holidays, its grant / loan in term time. I get the boys DLA on top of my grant / loan (which surprised me enough!) but everything else is means tested.

In Uni, its generally agreed that a person is better off studying financially than on benefits, albeit not necessarily by loads; FE college can be ahgrder as there is no grant system in place, however every college has an access fund that can cover some help and chidlcare, for example. The key facor though si that each college has a limited resource; the way to get help si to applye arly and immediately- it runs out vceery fast indeed, ideally for a September start i woudl suggest an April applicationas a minimum

i work at the dwp and yes you can do a college course whilst you are claiming income supprt as a lone parent.any grants you recieve you will have to notify them of how much you receive and what they are for .SOME of that money MAY be taken into acoount of your IS.

PS not as thick as two shortplanks !!!!!!