Universal Credit & Going Back To University

LilyBlossom
LilyBlossom Community member Posts: 10 Connected
in Benefits and income
Hi!

I've been looking for all the information I can get about. Going back to University while I am claiming UC. I am on LCWRA, I suffer with various health conditions. 

I've been thinking about going back to university, as a part time student. I know I won't be able to claim UC while I go to uni as I am not claiming PIP or any other disability benefit. But I need to keep claiming UC until I start in September because of bills etc. 

Would UC have a problem with me applying for a university course & student finance, while being on UC. I wouldn't receive any money until September from the Maintenance loan. But because I know I will be studying would this be a problem to them or impact the money I receive until September?

Hopefully, that makes sense! 

Comments

  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 61,372 Championing
    It won’t affect your UC until you start the course. Applying for the course won’t be an issue. 

    You can continue claiming UC as a part time student, even without a PIP award. However the maintenance loan will reduce the amount of UC you’re entitled to. 

    You will need to make sure you report the changes if you start the course. 
  • LilyBlossom
    LilyBlossom Community member Posts: 10 Connected
    Okay, that's great to hear. Are you able to elaborate or link me to claiming UC while doing a part time university course. As all I can find is if you claim DLA or PIP is when you can stay on UC.

    I only claim LCWRA as going through PIP after just doing LCWRA seemed extremely daunting to me. 

  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 61,372 Championing
    Here you go. https://www.turn2us.org.uk/get-support/information-for-your-situation/part-time-students-and-benefits/can-part-time-students-claim-universal-credit 

    As you've been found to have LCWRA then you have no commitments so your UC can continue, minus the deduction for the maintenance loan. You need to make 100% sure it's definitely a part time course, not full time. 
  • LilyBlossom
    LilyBlossom Community member Posts: 10 Connected
    Thank you so much for your help, and its 100% part-time, however, will check the hours with the university just to double check! 
  • Hannah_Alumni
    Hannah_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,905 Championing
    Good luck with your university course @LilyBlossom! :) What have you chosen to study?

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