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Original poster

Universal credit

10 replies

SnappyFarter1987 · 04/04/2019 18:47

Hi all,
I am a single mum to 3dc. I currently work full time and claim tax credits and housing benefit.
I am considering starting a full time access course in September, and from there hopefully studying midwifery at university. Does anyone know if this will trigger a change to universal credit? I've been told full time students are much worse off under universal credit as student loans etc are deemed to be income.
Any info anybody has on this matter is greatly appreciated! TIA.

OP posts:
MyDcAreMarvel · 04/04/2019 18:50

No, only changes that would have meant you previously claimed a legacy benefit or new partner or moving house out of area trigger a change to UC.

dementedpixie · 04/04/2019 18:50

Can you get universal credit with 3 kids?

MyDcAreMarvel · 04/04/2019 18:51

Yes demented since February.

MyDcAreMarvel · 04/04/2019 18:53

You will be moved to UC via managed migration between 2020-2023 though so while you are still studying.

Original poster
SnappyFarter1987 · 04/04/2019 18:58

Thank you so much for your replies. If I were moved to UC via managed migration, would I get transitional protection?
I am very eager to study, but worry about finanves...I know I can do it with tax credits...UC not so much.Confused

OP posts:
MiseryLoves · 04/04/2019 19:00

For the access course it shouldn’t be a problem as it’s under 16 hours a week in college (you don’t count breaks in with the overall time) so will be a part time course on paper.

One thing I will say though is that it’s intensive. I did the access to Health Science diploma and it’s all consuming. 3 full days at college and the same again studying at home and completing the assignments. There’s no way you’d be able to continue working full time if you want to pass the course with merits and distinctions, which you will need to meet the criteria for the midwifery degree.

MyDcAreMarvel · 04/04/2019 19:00

Yes you would get transitional protection.

Original poster
SnappyFarter1987 · 04/04/2019 19:07

Thank you, MiseryLoves, that's why the tax credits are so important, I would probably be looking at at working just one week day and a Saturday or Sunday, so my earned income would take a big hit. Do you think it's doable working two days? I'm looking forward to the studying...Just worrying about being in a crap financial situation while I have the children to provide for.

OP posts:
Original poster
SnappyFarter1987 · 04/04/2019 19:10

Thank you, Mydcareamarvel, that has really put my mind at rest!

OP posts:
MiseryLoves · 04/04/2019 19:21

It’s doable but you’ll be knackered!

The midwifery course is so competitive- when I applied there were over 5000 applicants for 45 places (City University, London)
I can’t say for now whether it’s still true as they’ve taken away the funding/bursary but I would imagine it’s still popular.

Would the change in hours or job not trigger a move to UC?

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