Working as a single parent and full-time uni student

[Ithinkiminlimbo]

Hi,

I may cross post, as im not sure if i am in the correct section to get the advice i need but i hope someone may have some words of wisdom that may help me.

I (37) am recently seperated and I have just finished a foundation year at uni and about to start my degree years in october.
I have signed up to UC with the help of the cab and now i have the joys of dealing with the folk at the job centre.
I had a call, and i got told i should be working 25 hours a week!? I have 3 children and was also told i should be willing to travel 90 minutes to work. I get it, lots of students have jobs to supplement their income, and i am more than happy to get a job on an evening or something but 25 hours!?
I have 3 dc and even tho one is about to start year 11 i dont want to make them a babysitter.

I also have a few MH issues and without going into too much detail, i was advised by cab to try for PiP, and as someone that was on dla before i was married, i know how much of a heartache it can be so i tried to not go down that route.
Fast forward a few weeks and i have had panic attacks, migraines and now a stomach ulcer from worrying about trying to get work that fits the criteria. I had a job at a care home and even though it went ok, i got home and had a panic attack, i am in no way equipped to deal with people so vunerable when i am myself.
I have applied for a council or social house and when i log on, it comes up as if i havent completed the form even though i have and have an admission reciept code but im hoping its because it hasnt been processed yet.
I am super stressed and i do not process stress very well at all and its exhausting.

I really am in such a brain fog right now, and would like to hear from people in a similar situation. Has anyone else had such a pushy experience with the job centre?

Thanks for reading

Benefits and being a full time student is a nightmare. Talk to a uni welfare adviser.

You have a lot to deal with - which may be why people have hesitated to respond.

Other than returning to the CAB for further clarification I’m not sure what to suggest. Certainly, as pp says, Student Services at your institution should be able to offer support - I don’t know whether you have access to them between your foundation year and first year. Have you phoned / emailed to see if there’s anyone you can speak to?

I’m surprised full time students have to meet UC requirements - presumably CAB have given you the correct advice?

(I should say, you won’t be the only person battling with multiple issues while trying to study. It’s not something people like to talk about. Please press on - it will be worth it in the end.)

I’m surprised full time students have to meet UC requirements - presumably CAB have given you the correct advice?

They don't. At least not the job requirements. OP has been advised incorrectly.

Thanks for everyone's replies, apologies for my delayed reply. Real life has been quite demanding.

I will contact cab tomorrow and I also have my dreaded job centre appointment too D-:
It's an awful task, look for 25 hours of work but I can only do weekends. Well, I shall bring up that I prehaps shouldn't have to look for work due to being a ft student. Maybe it's because it's the summer?

I have contacted student services and am awaiting an appointment to see an advisor.
I am also in contact with my local mh team, so I am hoping I can get some support from those wonderful people there.

I shall keep this thread open for the situations developments as it may help someone else sometime who may find themselves in this position.