I was told at my interview by my prospective tutor that they say the course is 16 hours and keep it to that to make it so people can afford to live, work or continue claiming benefits etc.
I'm on ESA and DLA and Housing - for as far as I am aware, I will remain entitled to that still.
However, with ESA, you have to have to be unwell and unable to work due to sickness, and have medical evidence to back that up. With DLA/PIP, you have to have been so unwell for 3 or 6 months. I think it used to be 3 and that now it is 6.
I know though, that if you are on JSA it is more difficult. My partner did an Access course whilst claiming JSA (should've been on ESA) and it was a real nightmare - but then their advisor was a real piece of work. (and told her that is she felt like she was going to have an epileptic seizure she could just go in the corner, do it, then go back to work so what was the problem with working in a nightclub?) *facepalm*