When my husband is made redundant, we will have 4 children, the youngest of which will be 2 and a half. His plan is to go to college full-time to train for a decent career. I would also love to go, but would we be able to claim benefits during this time or would the govenment see it as our choice that we're not earning and refuse our claim? Anyone know?
2007-01-11 09:22:00 · 5 answers · asked by jochap2310 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Other - Education
Ask at your local Citizens Advice Bureau and he could get a learning maintenance grant hopefully.
2007-01-11 09:29:42 · answer #1 · answered by paul b 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi! I'm a single mum at uni. You can't claim any benefits but you can continue to get child tax credits and family allowance. You may be eligible for some housing benefit (they may deny this but talk to a uni finance officer as they'll help. They should give advice even if you're not in the system yet). You will probably be eligible for student loans (max currently £4, 405 pa). This is a bit of a problem. It means your benefits are cut as they're counted as income (yes, I know that's mad) and they can affect a spouse's benefits too but with four children you may get extra money from social services all the same. You will also be eligible for a Parent's Learning Allowance and in Wales a Welsh Assembley Grant. Go to your LEA and ask for the info. It's very informative. Most unis have a hardship fund which may be able to help out on application but they won't make guarantees as it all depends on their funds. There are often grants and bursaries available for mature students too. I'm poorer now and will have some mighty debts but I also hope to have a career and a more secure future in the longer term. If the uni says you need to do an access course first you can do that over one year and for some reason you're still allowed to claim benefits. Good Luck.
2007-01-11 19:26:57 · answer #2 · answered by ammie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on which benefit you get because if you get jobseekers allowance then him going to college would mean he is not available for work so probably not
Stupid i know but i have been there,i think you have to be unemployed for a certain length of time or be on income based jobseekers to be able to do it
2007-01-11 17:39:57 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The employment service view would be that you are not available for work while studying so no benefits would be paid.
2007-01-11 17:47:42 · answer #4 · answered by James Mack 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YES As long as it's for a new career, you bet.
2007-01-11 17:29:51 · answer #5 · answered by Ricky J. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋