UC work commitment and OU study

[KatsMother28]

Hi everyone, just needing some advice about whether the Universal Credit work commitment will allow me to study a part time degree with the Open University?

I'm currently receiving child tax credits and work 27hours per week, up to now that's been perfect as it's allowed me to be there to drop off and pick up my daughter from primary school in a different town than where we live.

This September she starts at a secondary school in town so can walk herself there and back, freeing up a lot of my time.

I decided I wanted to use this time to study a part time degree through the Open University with a view to moving up through my company.

Unfortunately this week, changes to my circumstances mean it's looking likely that I'm going to have to apply for UC and I'm concerned that the work commitment won't allow this.

I know that up until my DD is 13 the work commitment is 25hrs per week but I don't want to start the course this year only to find out once she turns 13 that I can't continue with it because I need to spend that time job seeking for the increased time of up to 35hrs.

Has anyone else got experience of this and can offer advice please?

Do you mean will they allow
You to stay on the lower work search hours to study op or do you mean will they keep paying you what you receive in benefits now?

Is the Ou course connected to your workplace or is it independent of them?

I'd say you would need to ask your work coach these questions.

IIRC Open University courses are treated differently to those in a brick type with lectures etc. In effect UC guidance recognizes that you have much more flexibility to manage your study commitment around your work obligations.

I'd suggest checking with the OU first.

Thank you for your replies. I've not yet applied for the UC so haven't been assigned a work coach to ask, I was just looking for some reassurance really that I'd still be able to go ahead and start the course.

The degree is unrelated to my current role for which there are no more hours available (I've increased my hours whenever it has been possible to) but it would allow me to move into another branch of the company which is what I want to end up doing when I go back to working full time.

I'll have to see if I can find a helpline for UC and see if they can provide answers. Thanks anyway.

OU is done all the time by people with full time jobs. It’s designed to fit around working so I doubt you’d get any leeway on your work requirements. You are expected to use evenings and weekends to study

There's no allowances made for somebody doing a degree via OU. The idea is that you complete the degree around your working hours. In your case, you'd still be expected to find work. I work with UC.

well - i worked full time with a 3 hour (total) daily commute, with 2 kids starting secondary school and i studied with the OU. Weekends, lunchtimes and on my commute mostly (right up to them nearly being finished with school)

So time-wise - yes. Whether the UC people will see it like that, I'm not sure.

I study part time via the OU, and don't work. I am in receipt of UC and not expected to look for work.

With UC it’s more about minimum income so 35x minimum wage so if you earn more than minimum wage age you may meet the threshold for looking for more work already.

@Vettrianofan Is there another reason eg Carer, young children or your own health that means you've no Work Related Activity?

Or do you live with a partner who earns enough to keep you outside that group - for now?

I would like to know how it is all calculated. It is not clear on the account how it is worked out as I was convinced I would need to work x amount of hours as I have four children in the school system now 🤷🏻 I keep checking weekly in case it changes. But so far I am not expected to look for work. Studying might have something to do with it, or completely nothing to do with it. I wish I knew!

I am not a carer, and although I have chronic health issues I am awaiting my claim for adult disability payment. As it stands, DH is the only other adult who has income. He works 35hrs weekly.

@Vettrianofan note from mention of adp that you're in Scotland but I don't think it makes any difference.

Have you had a Work Capability Assessment in Universal Credit that has found you have limited capability for work/work related activity?

Otherwise I guess the answer is that your DH's earnings are enough to cover both of you.