What funding is available for DS, 18, on FE course away from home?

[willotess]

My DS, 18, has finally decided he'd like to study for an FE Music diploma (there are still places available). The college is 60 miles away. Does anyone know if he could get funding for accommodation, and other benefits? Their are no course fees. I am a single mum, earning, but receive CTC and CB for my DD, 16. They stopped for my son when he dropped out of school before taking his A levels. Would I be able to claim for him again if he starts the course, even though he may be living away from home? I would still need to support him to some extent.

Afaik, if no-one else is claiming for him, you can claim CTC and CB and single person discount on your council tax if your 18 yo is on a full time 'approved' FE course, which includes BTEC level 1-3 and NVQ levels 1-3. I don't think they even ask about residency.

However, it might make more financial sense for him to claim benefits in his own right. A friend explained this to me recently... But benefit rules are complicated, and I might have got this wrong, so check... He can claim benefits and study if he starts the course first, and then you decide it's not possible for him to commute and/or you throw him out. He shd get income support and council tax benefit while he finishes the course. But he can't sign on first and then start a course, I think, because he'd be expected to be looking for work, and wouldn't be allowed to start a course.

Hope you can get something sorted. When my DS nearly dropped out a couple of years ago, the financial implications for me were frightening.

Good luck to both of you. :)

I would also contact the college and see if they can offer any support, or put you in touch with any. My local college has a long list of possible sources of different kinds of support, and my DS's has access to some bursary funds.

Thanks for your replies.. I'm just so thrilled that DS has finally decided what he wants to do and has, himself, been pro-active in sorting something out!
He has an assessment for music college on Saturday and if successful will start almost immediately. He has friends there who have already started, and in accommodation - so can crash with them temporarily. I have spoken to the college - there is a Residential Support Scheme from GOV.Uk and the college will supply the information to DS; there are also bursaries he could apply for. If I can get CTC and CB for him again he can have his share of that for his living expenses. The college has also sent us a long list of contacts for help in finding accommodation.
yay! I hope it all works out for him, I really do.....