University, LWRCA and PIP

[freetospeakup]

Dd1 22 is diagnosed autistic and has really struggled over the years. She has mainly stayed at home since 6th form finished and doesn't go out independently. She receives LWRCA and PIP following a tribunal. Her PIP is in the process of being renewed. She had decided that she'd like to try uni as she has found a course in animation she is interested in at a local uni so she could stay at home. We are delighted she feels ready for this as I think it will be amazing for her socially and will help her independence. We are just unsure about the financial side of things. I know she'll have to apply for student loan but does anyone have any experience of what we need to do?

pip is completely independent so she should be able to receive that but she will need to tell her uk work coach and may not be able to receive any uc during university but can apply for a university living costs loan

I don't think that's right:
This website says you can if ;you’re disabled, were assessed as having limited capability for work before starting your course, and are getting:

• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)'

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/universal-credit-and-students#studying-full-time

She’ll be able to continue claiming UC. However she will need to take all maintenance loans she is entitled to. If she doesn’t UC will deduct anyway

Maintenance loans are deducted from UC £4£ after a £110 monthly disregard

Deductions are taken during the assessment periods that correspond with the course start end date.

This is horrendous t. She will have to send all copies of student loan off to UC. She can also apply for £1k per annum disabled student grant that she won't have to pay back. She will need evidence from her uni of her start and finish date. Her UC claim will remain open and as soon as she breaks up from uni for summer she will get UC paid at full rate until she returns for 2nd year. She needs to ask for a disabled student assessment as she should get £1k and help with things like personal organisation and mentoring.

Thank you everyone. That's really useful information.

I know you asked about the financial side, and this isn’t about that. I would really encourage DD to apply for DSA. There is no financial gain for her but some of the things it can cover, like a weekly mentoring session, could make the difference wirh her staying in the course or not.