Benefit entitlement and part time degree study

hjc2019
hjc2019 Community Member Posts: 1 Connected
edited September 2019 in Benefits and income
Hi, I am starting university this year to study part time for a BSc. I have applied for a tuition fee and maintenance loan on the basis of 75% course intensity, which has been approved - the final amount payable will be confirmed upon enrollment. (figures:

Tuition fee loan (paid directly to university):  £6935, Maintenance loan (paid to me): £6708, of which £2760 is disregarded as income by the DWP. 

I was wondering if you could advise me with regards to my benefit entitlement. 
I am currently in receipt of the following:

PIP: Enhanced rate daily living and Enhanced mobility
ESA: (Income Related/ Support Group/ Severe Disability/ Disability income guarantee)
Housing Benefit (to landlord): full
Council Tax reduction: full (Total weekly to pay: £0)

I am particularly concerned about losing entitlement to ESA as - as I understand it - this would leave me ineligible for Housing benefit and free prescriptions etc., obviously in that case I would be unable to continue with the course as I would effectively be homeless. I am also slightly confused re: Council tax reduction - I know FT students get this free, as a PT student would I lose this? 

Thank you, 
Heather

Comments

  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community Member Posts: 64,375 Championing
    edited September 2019
    Hi,

    Students and benefits are very complicated. As you receive PIP then you can still claim ESA and housing benefit but your maintenance loan will affect the amount you can claim because it's counted as income £1 for £1. How much you'll receive for both, i really don't know i'm afraid.

    I'd advise giving the disabled students helpline a call and they will advise you further. https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/how-we-can-help/helplines/disabled-students-helpline

    For your council tax then you'll need to speak to your local council because all councils are different.

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