Becoming a student & ESA

Minton22

Hi, can anybody advise on the following please?

I’m currently in receipt of ESA (Support group). I was in receipt of pip but following a face to face assessment, it was stopped but I have appealed and await a date.

I have a partner and dependant children.

i would like to study a degree course by distant learning with the Open University but am worried that this will affect my entitlement to disability benefits that I’ve been receiving for a number of years.

would beginning a degree course with the OU (studying at home) affect my benefits and would this bring about a change that causes me to have to claim UC- I do not want to have to claim UC so any advice would be most appreciated.

Thanks

poppy123456

Hi,

If you're claim Income related ESA and the course is part time, less than 16 hours per week then you can continue with your ESA claim.

Any student loans you receive could affect and means tested benefits you claim.

This link may help you. https://www.turn2us.org.uk/Benefit-guides/Part-time-students-and-benefits/Can-part-time-students-claim-disability-benefits

Any changes must be reported to DWP.

You could also ring this helpline for further advice. https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/how-we-can-help/helplines/disabled-students-helpline

Minton22

Thank you @ poppy123456