Income related esa and student finance

kbenne81

Hi. I’ve recently applied for esa income related. I also receive pip higher rate. I was originally told I would be getting 138 a week but now they have reduced my payments to £44 a week because of my student finance even in the summer holidays. I’m part time studying in the open university I get 1150 maintenance loan then about another 700 dependants grant for my child. But they are taking 93 a week off me because of these loans. I’ve read that they have to deduct so much as income but even all that divided over a course of 42 weeks doesn’t add up to 93 a week ? 
Does this seem right as I was going beer the impress that they only deduct so much during term time and not through the summer holidays. 

Chloe_Alumni

Hi @kbenne81 and a warm welcome to the community!

I'm sorry to hear that this has happened and I completely understand why this would be stressful, and not make sense during the summer holidays. What course are you studying?

I'd suggest speaking to an adviser from Citizens Advice (online) to find out if your benefits should have changed. 

You can find advice through organisations including Disability Rights UK and Advicelocal.

Also, Disability Rights UK has a helpline for disabled students. It offers specific advice for disabled students studying in England.  

Disabled Students Helpline Email: students@disabilityrightsuk.org Telephone: 0330 995 0414

Opening hours:
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 11 am to 1 pm 

If you need anymore help then please do not hesitate to be in touch!

Pseudonym

Also, Disability Rights UK has a helpline for disabled students. It offers specific advice for disabled students studying in England.  

Are there similar services for students in the rest of the UK?
If not, would the effects on benefits fundamentally differ outside England?

poppy123456

The rules for students and benefits are the same where ever you live in the UK.

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/benefits-higher-education-students

https://www.southwales.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/students-and-benefits/