going back to college what am i entitled to.

[shelleylou]

Ive decided to go back to college and have found out how the college will help but does anybody know what jobcentre can help me out with?
TIA

You can still get income support, housing benefit and council tax benefit, I think, if all your house is going to be students (or younger). Also child tax credit? I am thinkin back 4 years, so it may have changed, but I'm sure I got those. Probably plus child care help, if needed.

PS good on you, going back to education. I did college, and now at uni. Well done and the very best of luck in your studies.

thanks a lot. College have told me that they will pay for childcare so pleased about that. Its only me and ds (16 months) so hopefully what you have said is right. Made appointment at jobcentre to see what they say so i can make a fully informed decision.

It is a full time course isn't it?

yes i think i can choose whether to do it full or part time not sure though. Might go for part time so i dont miss so much time with ds and I find it easier to manage all of my responsibilities. Havent decided uyet though.

if you go part time I think it affects your benefits a lot. If you go full time, you are usually only in class about 16 hours a week anyway. Might be best to find out how things will work both ways before you make a decision. What are you studying?

i agree with lw that full time never really means full time...y=the hours are made up in your own time of personal study, how you manage it depends on your own way of learning and the support system you have.
What are you studying?

diploma in childcare and education. I know i will have 3 days at college and 2 days in work placement. I surpose it depends on how they work the time table out as when i was doing as levels i think i may have only had 1 full day of lessons other days would have something between 2-4. I know when xp has ds i would have quite a bit of time to catch up on house/coursework and could always see if mum can have him a few hours 1 day the other weekend. I could always sort out a timetable for at home so i can delegate my time suitably between ds/housework and college work and a litlle bit of time for myself so i dont go crazy.

Lol one way or another, we're all crazy Might as well be crazy and educated, eh?

sorry i ment crazier!!! May as well do the qualification now even though ill be missing some of the earlier times with ds but at the same time hell be 20 months we i start and hes walking etc so wont miss anything like that. Ill be sorting a better life out for us and the timing will be great as when he starts nursery part time in 2 years ill have qualified (being very positive) and can get a job around him being in there. Bonus is qualification will help me with his education as well. I think its a win win situation.

I never apply the 16 hour rule to my lone parent customers. If the college are happy to accept you and can obtain funding for you from elsewhere, I would be happy for you to stay on your current benefits as long as you are not getting funding from elsewhere.

Congratulations on getting a place. If I were your adviser I would be delighted for you.

Ive got to go for my interview yet for the course but i really do want to go. College will help me with certain things as im on benefits but with others i will still have to pay full price i.e exams and materials, which can all add up. I would just be in reciept of benefits and any help the college can offer me.