Esa and studying please help

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Smcs30

Hello, i currently am on ESA Income related Severe disability premium and PIP High Rate, i have returned to study for a 1 year course in college to get me the qualifications to get into uni next year, it’s called an access course, i have to apply for an advance learner loan for 3022.00 and i have filled in the pn1 form it saying im entitled to loans and grants but i am very confused? if i take a student loan will i lose my esa, I still am unfit to work I have uncontrollable epilepsy and non epileptic epilepsy dissociative seizures, so if so i dont want to do that as im entitled to the esa and i dont want to get into debt with student finance england for my loans, As this is only a further education course and not classed as higher education, as if i pass the course (its an access course) when i go to uni they wipe the £3022 advance learner loan which student finance pays directly to the college I have only applied for a DSA disabled student allowance, im only concerned as i need additional support from the college i dont know if i have filled out the correct forms but as i said i dont want to lose my esa so does anyone know can you study full time and still get Esa? as im entitled to it as i have between 3-15 epileptic sezuires per week and i have anxiety and PTSD, I currently am taking legal action against my family member I have developed trauma epilepsy from being sexually abused as a child by a family member and having a bad upbringing as my mother and father were alcoholics and drug addicts and my social worker was struck off for child negligence, I have had a hard life but I would love to get a law degree, hence I am trying my best to learn, so can I get my Esa still I have been on it for the past 5 years and it’s the income related Esa severe disability premium same with my pip I got a ten year award when I was last accessed last year, as I have problems also with incontiency due to blackouts and sezuires  it effects my Bowls. can anyone reccomend even anyone i can call for advice, thanks

poppy123456

HI and welcome,

You need to report the changes to DWP because all changes must be reported. Although you can claim IR ESA and be a student because you're claiming a disability benefit, some student loans affect the amount of Income related ESA you're entitled to. If there's a loan available to you, even if you choose not to take that loan it will still affect the amount of Inocme related ESA you're entitled to.

Of course it will depend on what loan it is. More information here in this link. https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/how-we-can-help/individuals/education/frequently-asked-questions-students

Your PIP won't be affected by any loan because it's not means tested.

Do also be aware that if what you do contradicts the reasons why you're claiming ESA and PIP then this can go against you when you're next reassessed and they could also reassess you early.

You can also ring the scope helpine for confirmation of the advice i have given on 0808 800 3333.

Hope this helps.