Maintenance loans at university and special support element query

Nikkiibz
Nikkiibz Online Community Member Posts: 13 Listener
in Education and skills

hello I am a single mum of two children looking to go to uni in September. I receive LCRWA higher rate Pip and contribution style ESA. I’m trying to work out if I’m going to be worse off going to university as currently money is tight and we regularly have to food bank. It’s causing me anxiety and no one seems to really know the actual answer. I spoke to somebody last week who said that I should not take the maintenance loan part out as this will dramatically reduce my monthly payments whilst at university I’ve been advised to only take the SSE loan out as this will mean that UC cannot deduct all of my universal credit saving me £545 a month
The university they said that they’ve never heard of this before and that I did have to take the maintenance loan out and uc credit will just assume that I’ve taken it anyway, so I asked ChatGPT which also said same Story that the disability advisor had previously told me and that the university can write a letter to say that I have only taken SSE loan and I can upload this to my UC journal so that zero deductions will be made from my benefits. Can anyone clarify this please?

Comments

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Online Community Member Posts: 7,050 Championing
    edited August 14

    Studying and UC is a complex area, I'd recommend contacting Disability Rights UK who have a Disabled Students Helpline.

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

    I wouldn't rely on ChatGPT for advice.

    I do know if a loan is available then whether you take it out or not, UC count it as having been received.

  • forgoodnesssake
    forgoodnesssake Online Community Member Posts: 526 Empowering
    edited August 18

    Unfortunately in our experience the Uni (and chat GP) are right. I was incredulous when we were told this by DWP but yes, if you are entitled to the maintenance loan and on ESA or UC, the DWP will treat you as if you are receiving it whether or not you claim it and reduce or remove benefits accordingly. But it is something to do with double funding using government money..!! I had to check and re-check this as it's a loan, not income as such!

    I really hope you can find some sort of loophole or exception..

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