Student Social Workers

New Member **Offline** Joined: 11 Oct 2007 Posts: 2

Hi, i'm new to this board. I'm currently on an access course and am hoping to start uni next sept (if I ever finish my personal statement that is!)

I'm finding it difficult to work out where i stand financially as I've heard a lot of conflicting information about benefits. On most websites it says you cannot get income support as a student, but on the jobcentre website is says lone parents may be able to get it.

I've been told about the bursery and loan but am still really confused as to how it's going to cover my living costs for a year. My rent is £575 alone, and i'm not sure how much housing benefit I will get. And don't even get me started on childcare fees...

My careers advice at college is no help either.

Would appreciate hearing from anyone in the same situation to put my mind at rest.

Thanks in advance!

Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 9:13 am

You will receive the loan and bursary plus a special support grant and parents allowance. If you find you cannot cover all your costs, the uni has an access fund for students in certain circumstances that you may be eligible for.

Income support is tricky, currently i dont get it (only during the summer), but there is a lady on my course who does...maybe its down to individual circumstances. Whether or not you get housing benefit depends on the amount your rent is and your entire income (incl tax creds, child ben, etc..). I have to pay full rent from Sept-June but then mine is less than yours.

You will get a childcare grant which will cover 85% of costs upto £170 for one child. I think you get £100 more for 2 or more children.

Have a look at the higher education support website:
http://www.studentsupportdirect.co.uk/

From first hand experience lone parents, benefits and higher education support is very confusing. I am still unsure if i am being assessed correctly for everything because different sources tell me different things. If someone has made a mistake in my entitlement to anything i wouldnt even know as i have nothing refer to to check.

Not sure if ive made it any clearer for you or worse!

New Member **Offline** Joined: 11 Oct 2007 Posts: 2

Thank you for your reply radiant. I've taken a look at the website and jotted down a load of things but am still unclear.
We have an HE fare next week and apparently there will be someone from finance so I'm going to try them.
I think I'm just going to have to bite the bullet and do my best. Like you say, if I do get into difficulties there is always the access fund.
Anyway, thanks again and good luck on your course.

New Member **Offline** Joined: 26 Jun 2008 Posts: 3

rainbowdrops wrote:

Hi, i'm new to this board. I'm currently on an access course and am hoping to start uni next sept (if I ever finish my personal statement that is!)

I'm finding it difficult to work out where i stand financially as I've heard a lot of conflicting information about benefits. On most websites it says you cannot get income support as a student, but on the jobcentre website is says lone parents may be able to get it.

I've been told about the bursery and loan but am still really confused as to how it's going to cover my living costs for a year. My rent is £575 alone, and i'm not sure how much housing benefit I will get. And don't even get me started on childcare fees...

My careers advice at college is no help either.

Would appreciate hearing from anyone in the same situation to put my mind at rest.

Thanks in advance!

Good for you for thinking about yourself Very Happy

most of the time when people become mothers they just give up on their own goals! Don't let the finances stop you even though it is a bit scarey when you are a mother as well. There are student loans and grants to look into. Im sure you have already scouerd the internet plenty of times, however I believe that when you are a student you can open a student account and most banks that have student accounts give out student loans. The only thing about the loans in the you don't want to bury yourself in too deep when you have a family to think about as well. I think you should look into all your options and see what would keep you at a reasonable living standard. Here are some sites that might help you further
http://www.getsmaart.com/student-guides/index.php/student-finance/Latest_Student_Grant_Information
http://uk.moneto.eu/investment/student-accounts/benefits/
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/UniversityAndHigherEducation/StudentFinance/index.htm
Hope this helps sweety! Very Happy