Anyone here where both parents are students? Advice needed

[RaceyLacey]

DP & I are both wanting to begin studying in September. We were both made redundant last year and neither of us want to go back to the dull jobs that we hated. Both want to follow our dreams so to speak, but want to know what we will be entitled to financially.

We are currently claiming jsa as a joint claim, he signs on, I don't. We have 2 boys, both will be at school in Sept, ds1 will be in yr4 & ds2 will be in yrR. We know we won't be entitled to jsa, but will we still be entitled to all the other benefits, i.e. IS, HB, CTC?

Have asked at the JCP, they can't tell us as the people he signs on with only know about that and the people on the front desk are power happy jobsworths. I have called the benefit helpline a few times but get conflicting advice each time.

What kind of course are you thinkning of studying?

I'm hoping to be doing a science diploma, and dp is looking at plumbing or computers or something like that, but full time nonetheless. Both of us would be at a normal college rather than uni.

Ok. Its not good news Im afraid.

If the guided learning hours are less than 16hrs per week you could remain on JSA as long as you are still actively seeking work and prepared to give up the college course if a suitable job was offered.

Income Support- from info you have given its a no. Unless you are carer for anyone? Im assuming not.

If Course is full time you may be eligable for Adult learning grant-its £30 a week.

Can you look at courses for yourself that are higher education courses then you would get student loans, grants etc?

Is there any provision for your partner to do plumbing in the evening?

If not I think one or both of you would need to be working to make yourselves eligable for tax credits.

Thanks, bloody hell that's rubbish. I looked at a uni course a while back and I would've been able to claim quite a few grants but I was a single parent then. PLus that particular course I think would go right over my head, the course I'm looking at would mean I'd be able to go onto that course and actually understand it.

DP has looked into p/t plumbing courses in the past. He used to work for a company that delivered plumbing supplies and has spoken to several plumbers on different sites. They all agreed that the courses that are on offer p/t are as good as useless. They basically said they would never employ anyone with the qualifications that are offered.

Both my husband and I are full-time students with a 2 month old baby. There are NO benifits for students at all (at least, not from my experience.) A student isn't even eligable for the sure start £500 grant that someone on js can get, while a student gets nothing per week.
We live off our student loans which are a little bigger due to baby, but they only just cover our rent plus a bit for food.
When I leave uni I will £21,000 in debt but at least i will have a MA and be able to provide a better future for my little one. (hopefully!!!!)
-Zoe xoxo

hi Studentmumzoe....have you checked about whether your CTC entitled you to the surestart maternity grant. If you are receiving more than the basic amount (£20) per week then you should be entitled to it. Have you had your CTC assessed yet? As you are both students Im assuming you get roughly £50 per week CTC? This would mean you are entitled to grant, You need to claim the grant within 3months of baby being born wven if you havent had a reply from CTC/ Child benefit.

Original OP- Its the level of education you are looking at studying that is the barrier. If you were able to study at HE level you could apply to student loans. Have a chat with the Adult advisor at college/uni.

Good luck and let me know how you get on.