Postgraduate study & ESA

Saffarooney

Hi all,

Apologies for the long winded post, but I'm really hoping somebody can help.
I've been accepted to study a part time, online, masters degree. However, I'm now having second thoughts as I'm worried about how much my income based ESA will be reduced. I've read that ESA will take 30% of the total amount of postgraduate student finance into account. I live in Wales, so the amount of loan and grant combined is £16,380. There is no point in declining the grant as I will be treated as having this income if I'm entitled to it, even if I choose not to take it.

I have made some calculations:

30% of £16,380 = £4914

£693 is disregarded for books, equipment, etc 

£4914-£693= £4221

£4221 divided by 49 weeks of study = £86.14

£10 disregarded weekly

Making it a total deduction of £76.14 a week.

Does this seem correct? If that is the case then I don't think I will pursue this course. Thank you so much for anybody who takes the time to read all of this and respond. 

poppy123456

Student maintenance loans and means tested benefits are complicated. For this reason i'd advise you to ring the students helpline and they will give you all the advice you need. https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/disabled-students-helpline

Saffarooney

Thank you Poppy, I will give them a call.