Moving into higher education after 10 years and worried about fincances. — Scope | Disability forum
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Moving into higher education after 10 years and worried about fincances.

noprobllama
noprobllama Community member Posts: 1 Listener
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

Comments

  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 53,351 Disability Gamechanger
    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.

    I would appreciate it if members wouldn't tag me please. I have all notifcations turned off and wouldn't want a member thinking i'm being rude by not replying.
    If i see a question that i know the answer to i will try my best to help.
  • Chloe_Scope
    Chloe_Scope Posts: 10,586 Disability Gamechanger
    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!
    Scope

  • April2018mom
    April2018mom Posts: 2,882 Disability Gamechanger
    Hello!

    PIP might or might not be impacted. My advice is to call or email your college or university. Also good luck!! 
  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 53,351 Disability Gamechanger
    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.
    I would appreciate it if members wouldn't tag me please. I have all notifcations turned off and wouldn't want a member thinking i'm being rude by not replying.
    If i see a question that i know the answer to i will try my best to help.
  • JumpingJames
    JumpingJames Community member Posts: 43 Courageous
    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
    BenefitsTrainingCo Community member Posts: 2,621 Pioneering
    noprobllamanoprobllama

    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
    The Benefits Training Co:

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