Is tax credits affected by teacher training bursary for SKE bursary?

Hi

AFAIK, the SKE bursary isn't considered income for the purposes of tax credits, and most student income (such as the teaching bursary) will be disregarded. However, I'm not 100% on this as I can't find anything referencing the SKE bursary directly. The NUS recommends you declare any student income in the "other" section, though.

However, universal credit has different rules and both would be regarded as income under universal credit rules. I guess, like most people, you'll be switched over whenever you declare a change in circumstances (e.g. when you become a full time student), so I would expect to lose your tax credits then. Don't forget, though, that the bursary is tax free, so you get to keep all of it, and if you need to, you can claim a fees loan and maintenance loan as well. I know childcare is expensive, but hopefully this will help you manage.

I hope this helps and good luck with your SKE!

Thank you

After I posted I decided to give them a ring and your right, all bursary payments are not classed as income. The guy on the phone said he would record that I had called just incase they change their mind. Not sure about universal credit, as I have managed to not be changed over so far so fingers crossed they leave me alone for another 18 months

I am eligible for 26k tax free bursary from Sept 2019 for teaching Biology and £200 per week for completing a 28 week SKE course, which I am going to start in Feb 2019.

Will receiving either of these effect my tax credits?

I currently work part time and receive both child and working tax credit but am not sure whether to inform them in Feb when I start the SKE course. And if it's not counted as income I may continue working until I start my teacher training, but if it is counted as income I will give up work to focus on the SKE.

Thanks in advance