Benefits and doing a Masters

SJC88

Hello, 👋

I’ve seen a few posts about this sort of thing but I was hoping someone would be able to answer my specific question as I’ve been finding it hard to get to a clear answer while doing my own searching.

I wanted to start a masters in order to get my better qualified to hopefully get a job working as a research assistant at a university.

I had to leave my job 5 years ago due to becoming disabled and since then I have been diagnosed with autism, ADHD, fibromyalgia, endometriosis and an on going complicate issue with my sinuses. As a result I am not going to ever be able to return to the work I used to do and wanted to find a job that I would be capable of doing.

I am currently on universal credit and receive the ‘unfit for work or work related activities’ portion of the benefit which is absolutely vital for me to live, I also receive PIP

I am desperate to get off benefits and back into a job but I’m worried that if I start a masters I will lose my benefits- I’ve been lucky enough to get funding to do my course but I’m so scared about losing my benefits

The course is 2 years part time

Any information or advice anyone can give me on this would be so greatly appreciated

thank you

SJ

poppy123456

Part time study will not affect your UC. If there's a maintenance loan available to you it will affect your UC even if you decide not to take that loan. You can also contact the Disabled Students Helpline who should be able to answer any other questions you may have.

https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/disabled-students-helpline

SJC88

thank you, there isn’t any kind of student loan I’m eligible for - I’ll contact the helpline

thank you for your reply it’s been really helpful:)

Pickle72

sorry I don’t have any advice but I want to wish you all the very best for your studies. Also I hope that you succeed in your Masters and obtain the job that you’ve been wanting to do.

Albus_Scope

Hey @SJC88 and welcome to the community.

I can see you've already received some top advice, but I just wanted to pop in and say hi and best of luck with your studies, that's dead exciting!

SJC88

thank you :)