Online Open University Course

Chrisd119

Hi everyone,

Chrisd119

Hi everyone, my son who is in receipt of ESA and PIP due to his ASD has decided to do an online course with the OU but we are ferful that he may

Chrisd119

sorry, my post went live before I had finished typing. We are fearful of him losing his benefits if he does the course

bg844

Chrisd119 said:

sorry, my post went live before I had finished typing. We are fearful of him losing his benefits if he does the course

Assuming your son will only be getting his tuition fee paid for, it will have no affect. The OU is treated differently to normal education.

However, as your son has a disability he may be entitled to a Maintenance Loan (you can not usually receive this when studying with the OU). If this is the case then there'll be a deduction from his ESA regardless of whether he chooses to take it or not, he needs to speak to Student Finance about this.

PIP is separate, this will be unaffected regardless as it isn't means-tested and isn't a change that needs to be reported.

So no, he won't just 'loose his benefits' by studying. My advice to him is go for it and good luck!

Chrisd119

Great advice, thank you