Nursing at Uni & PIP

gtc911
gtc911 Online Community Member Posts: 2 Listener
in Work
Hi everyone

I receive pip standard rates due to mental health and physical disability which includes disc degeneration in lower back along with nerve root impingement and problems with my feet. Both physical issues affect standing/walking for long periods. 

I completed my first year of nursing degree and then took temporary withdrawal due to my physical health. As a nursing student you are required to complete on average 6 work placements in for example ward settings. I am due to return in September but if i do return I don't know how I will get on with my physical health until I begin my next placement. "Reasonable Adjustments" would be put in place such as additional breaks, can only work specific shifts etc. It would mean everything to me to get through the course and become a nurse and I have worked so hard to get onto the course over the past 8 years between employment and studying

I am unsure how this would affect my pip payments and also if I "cancelled" my pip and I was unable to continue on the course due to the physical placements then I would have to reapply etc. 

Can anyone share any advice, I would greatly appreciate all information or help.

Kind regards

G

Comments

  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 64,463 Championing
    You can't just ring them to cancel your claim because it doesn't work like that. Continuing with being a student is not a change of circumstances that needs to be reported for PIP. Lots of students continue claiming PIP.

    You just need to be aware that if being a student contradicts the reasons why you're claiming PIP there could be issues with your next review.

    Are you claiming any means tested benefits?
  • gtc911
    gtc911 Online Community Member Posts: 2 Listener
    Hi Poppy,

    I recieve UC & ESA via UC if that makes sense? They have said that I don't have to look for work but I can if I wish and I have the threshold for how much I can earn before affected etc. I would recieve a monthly bursary lower than the theshold amount during the degree.

    Thanks

    G
  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 64,463 Championing
    ESA has nothing to do with UC because that's a completely different benefit. Do you mean your UC includes the LCWRA element?

    If you do become a student you will need to report the changes for UC. If there's a maintenance loan available to you it will affect your UC, even if you decide not to take that loan.

    If being a student contradicts the reasons why you're claiming either LCW or LCWRA then it could go against you when you're next reviewed.

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