Moving into higher education after 10 years and worried about fincances.

noprobllama

Hi,

I am currenttly in recipt of

Housing benefit

ESA support group with severe disability premium

and middle rate care componant of PIP

I was hoping to take a 3 year undergrade degree this September in Psychology.

However I have no relevant qualifications so may need to take a foundation year before the 3 year degree course.

I am concerned about reassesment once I am accepted onto the course and possibly having HB,ESA and PIP taken away based on the incorrect understanding that I am fit for work.

I suffer from ASD, Anxiety and chronic depression.

I'd like to know what I might still be entitled to going forward into education to sustain myself whilst I am studying. Is there any department that specialises in this other than the DWP?

Thanks

poppy123456

Hi,

This is a very complex situation because students and benefits don't always mix. For this reason you need to get some expert advice by ringing the disabled students helpline. https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/how-we-can-help/helplines/disabled-students-helpline

Any student loan available to you, whether you take the loan or not may affect any Income related benefits you claim.

Chloe_Alumni

Hi @noprobllama (amazing username!) and a warm welcome to the community!

Like it has already been said, it can be complex. I would definitely seek advice for this. From my own experiences (I also studied psychology) your PIP is not affected by being a student.

I hope your course goes well!

April2018mom

Hello!

PIP might or might not be impacted. My advice is to call or email your college or university. Also good luck!! 

poppy123456

April2018mom said:

Hello!

PIP might or might not be impacted. My advice is to call or email your college or university. Also good luck!! 

PIP is definitely not means tested and this won't be affected at all.

JumpingJames

Hi I have a similar problem as I'm thinking about going back to university.

Can I ask what are you studying psychology for? Just for interest or to become a psychologist? I have undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in psychology and jobs in the field are so rare I would in general not advise people to do it if they want a job from it and it would be better to stay on benefits.

BenefitsTrainingCo

noprobllama

All the benefits you are currently on can be paid to full-time students in your situation. However, and this is the big BUT in all students & benefits situations, any income-related ESA you get could be reduced by student income. If you end up with no income-related ESA due to student income, then the student income can also reduce your housing benefit.

It's very hard to know the effects of this without knowing what student income you'd have on the foundation course. As for the undergrad course, you'll be treated as having any student loan which you could apply for, whether you actually take the loan or not.

Secondly, as you've already pointed out, it is possible that the DWP will reassess you (for PIP/ESA or both) when they know you are studying full-time, so that is always a risk. Losing your PIP can have knock on effects on your other benefits, especially when you are a student. For more detailed information you could contact the Disability Rights UK student helpline:

https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/how-we-can-help/helplines/disabled-students-helpline

Will