Hi, im Sul1! How will a postgraduate loan affect my benefits?

Sul1

Hi
i would like to know if I get ESA can I apply for a postgraduate loan? Will it affect my dla, child tax credit or housing benefit.

Thank you

poppy123456

HI and welcome,

It will depend what ESA you're claiming, if it's income related ESA then some maintenance loans affect the amount you're entitled to.

Students and benefits are extremely complicated and for this reason i'd advise you to ring th disabled students helpline for further advice. https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/how-we-can-help/helplines/disabled-students-helpline

Cher_Alumni

Hi @sul1 and welcome to our online community!  Good luck with your postgraduate (PG) course if you decide on following that route

I've moved your question to our 'What benefits am I entitled to?' discussion board so our benefit savvy members can see it and best advise you on how your benefits would be impacted by a PG loan.

Please let us know if you have any further questions.  

Sul1

Hi Poppy 

Thank you for replying. I’m receiving a dual element Esa I checked with dwp today. I receive £227.10 every two weeks as contribution based Esa with £34.20 income related Esa every two weeks. How will this affect me?

poppy123456

As advised, the income related part of your ESA will be affected by any maintenance loans. Please ring the disabled students helpline and they will advise you correctly.

Do also be aware that if the studying contracticts the reasons why you're claiming ESA and DLA then it could go against you when you're next reassessed for ESA and you maybe invited to apply for PIP earlier than they intended to.