ESA, Maintenance loan and reductions as a Disabled student.

Mitchythe3rd

Hi, wondered if anyone has experience in this/could help
I recently received an over payment letter from ESA asking me to pay back my 9250 maintenance loan as I have been over-payed during term time due to taking out a student loan ( I was unaware of this) so will be paying it back.

My confusion now is that it says during term time, my ESA will be reduced from £409 to £10.22, which I'm a little confused with, as if I don't take the loan, would it not remain at the normal 409 amount? am I forced into taking this loan as my ESA will be reduced no matter what due to me being a full time student? A little confused personally, so would appreciate any help anyone could offer .

Thanks

poppy123456

It's because if theres a loan available to you then it's expected that you will take the loan, rather than claim benefits. If this wasn't the case then people would claim benefits, rather than take the loan. The rules have always been the same for some means tested benefits and maintenance loans.

Were you claiming for help with the rent through housing benefit? If so then this may also have been affected.

Mitchythe3rd

I also get housing yes, and PIP. As its only reduced my ESA and not stopped, will my housing now have issues? what's the best route to take from here? as a disabled student, I'm a little worried with it being so close to term time, so any help would be greatly appreciated @poppy123456

poppy123456

You will need to contact your Local Authority and tell them about the maintenance loan. This link tells you what maybe affected by maintenance loans. https://www.turn2us.org.uk/Benefit-guides/Student-Support/How-does-student-support-affect-benefits