Claiming Benefits as a Disabled Student

KathMac

Hi there, I am new here - thanks for having me.
Over the past decade or so, my disabilities have really started to get the better of me.  I was previously retired on ill health grounds but have continued to work in a different industry,  however, I was dismissed on grounds of medical incapability.  I applied for Universal Credit, PIP and New style ESA.
Universal Credit assessed me and found me to have LCWRA.  I decided I would apply to university as I thought it would be better for my health to be doing something rather than nothing.  I started university in September and my universal credit was stopped.  The reason given is that only disabled students who are in receipt of PIP and LCWRA at the beginning of their course are eligible to claim.
PIP was applied for in May and granted in October.  I have asked for a mandatory reconsideration on the grounds that PIP will be backdated to before the course.  

Does anyone know what the likelihood is of succeeding.

Just to be even more confusing, I very quickly discovered that I am not well enough to attend university full time, so have dropped to part time.  This will mean that irrespective of the MR decision, I am now eligible to claim UC as a part time student, and will not have work commitments due to having been found to have LCWRA.

My student finance calculation is going to be extremely complicated and I am wondering if there is anyone you can recommend to help me because - call me cynical - I don't trust the DWP to calculate it correctly and would like an independent person to ensure it is right!

Thanks for reading - sorry its long and complicated!

MW123

@KathMac
I just wanted to say hello. I am afraid I cannot offer any assistance with your questions. It saddens me to see individuals like you striving to stay occupied amid health challenges, only to face penalties from a complex system.  I am sure another member will be along later who will be able to advise you.

poppy123456

It will depend on how much maintenance loan it is and how many months the course is for in the acedemic year, some are either 9, 10 or 11. There will be no deductions during the summer holidays. There's also a £110/month disregard for your maintenance loan. If you're receiving a disabled students loan/grant then this is disregarded.

As your ESA is already being deducted in full from your UC entitlement then there maybe no entitled to UC until the summer months. Though it will depend on your maximum UC entitlement is and how much your loan is.

Your ESA and PIP are not affected.

Hannah_Scope

Hello @KathMac

Just wanted to welcome you to the community! I hope Poppy's answer was able to help with your query?

KathMac

Hi!

Thanks everyone!

Sorry, I should have been clearer in my post - I am a postgrad student.  We don't get a maintenance loan.  There is one loan available of £12167 or similar and it doesn't matter how long your course is, thats all you get.

My course is 4 years long.

My understanding is that UC will use 30% of this amount as "income".  But I am unsure how they will do the calculation and its complex because I started full time so have already had £2007 of my loan

i would love to know if there are any specialists I can go and see to help me work it out!

MW123

Universities and colleges commonly offer a student guidance and welfare service, with dedicated offices providing support and advice on various matters. These services are designed to address issues such as housing, benefits, and financial assistance for students. It could be beneficial to have a conversation with them.

poppy123456

If you don't get a maintenance loan then what is the £12,167 for?

There's a disabled students helpline you can ring for advice. https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/disabled-students-helpline

Telephone: 0330 995 0414

Adrian_Scope

Hello @KathMac

Postgraduate loans are calculated differently to normal student finance. This is the clearest guide I've managed to find which might help you calculate:

"Postgraduate Loan

If you are studying Postgraduate and are eligible for Postgraduate Master's Loan or Postgraduate Doctoral Loan, the regarded amount of student income will be 30% of your loan. ​

If your course will be one year, your relevant number of assessment periods will be 12.

If your course will be two years, your relevant number of assessment periods will be 24.

If your course will be three years, your relevant number of assessment periods will be 36.

Now you have your regarded amount of student income (30%) and the relevant number of assessment periods, you can work out the deduction from your UC payment during the academic year.

Total regarded student income divided by number of assessment periods then deduct £110. This figure will be deducted per relevant assessment period, regardless of your student income payment schedule.

Example

Harry has a Postgraduate Master's Loan of £11,570 and is completing course in one year.

30% of £11,570 is £3,471

£3,471 divided by 12 is £289.25

£289.25 - £110 is £179.25

Harry will have £179.25 deducted per month for 12 months."

The disabled students helpline that poppy has linked about should be able to help confirm. 

Best of luck with your course!