UC and college

er112

hello

I’m 24 and have 2 children. I want to go back to college to do an Access to higher education course and the potentially a Uni course. I would have to apply to an Advanced Learner Loan to do this.

I have been on UC for a few years now, I receive single person element, children element (2 children), LCWRA and housing element. I also receive PIP.

can I go back to college on UC, if so how would my UC be affected?
can I apply for the learner loan?

I read you can’t claim UC and go to college? But as I’ve already been claim it will this make a difference?

Jimm_Scope

Hey @er112, is the course a full-time course? There are exceptions for it getting Universal Credit and studying full time, one of those is having a child, and PIP as well.

You may be able to get Universal Credit if you’re studying full-time and any of the following apply:

you’re aged 21 or under, in full-time non-advanced education and do not have parental support

you’re responsible for a child

you live with your partner and they’re eligible for Universal Credit

you’ve reached the qualifying age for Pension Credit and live with a partner who is under that age

you’ve received a Migration Notice telling you to move to Universal Credit

• you’re disabled, were assessed as having limited capability for work before starting your course, and are getting:Personal Independence PaymentDisability Living AllowanceChild Disability Payment in ScotlandAttendance AllowanceArmed Forces Independence Payment

Is the Advanced Learner Loan for tuition costs or for living costs? If they are for tuition then it should be ignored as income, but for living costs it will count towards your income.

I would speak with your work coach about it, though they aren't always the most knowledgeable about these non-normal circumstances it is best to speak to them about it.

er112

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/910053#Comment_910053

Hi thank you for you replies on both my posts. I am looking to get into Nursing or Midwifery but I’m yet to make a choice of which I prefer. Either way it’s nice to hear that are people of different ages in the courses so I won’t feel so out of place.

Obviously I don’t even know if I can go ahead as I can’t afford to loose out on my UC.

thank you for your replies and help, I will definitely have to message my work coach.

Jimm_Scope

You could also try speaking to a benefits adviser @er112, as they are more knowledgeable about the benefits system, more so than many of the work coaches themselves I would say. Citizen's Advice do have a call line specifically for Universal Credit: Contact us about applying for Universal Credit - Citizens Advice