Disabled Receiving PIP Suspend Course

So this is really a question for SFE but I am struggling to get a straightforward answer. I currently get PIP Enhanced Daily Living and Mobility, I also have a PA funded by Adult Services (mentioned because may be relevant to my question), and am estranged from my family due to a family court order. I am struggling greatly in the first few weeks of this year, and I know that I have more challenges ahead with regard to having to attend the family court again (with the support of my PA). My question is if I were to suspend my course to restart September 2024, would I be able to apply for or automatically qualify to continue receiving my maintenance loan due to my being in receipt of PIP (tuition loan would stop until I restarted my course in 2024). I have been working until recently and would certainly attempt to again, but being able to continue receiving the maintenance loan due to my disability and receiving PIP would be a massive help. I do of course know that this would mean my using the + one year with regard to SFE

Hi John,

If you decide to suspend your studies you won't be entitled to any further Maintenance Loan payments, unfortunately.

However, if your university confirms that you've suspended on health grounds you will be awarded 60 extra days of funding. This can greatly reduce any overpayment that occurs, or you may be entitled to one additional payment: it depends on when you suspend.

So, it may be worth asking your university if they'll class you as suspended on health grounds.

Thanks, Graeme

So this is really a question for SFE but I am struggling to get a straightforward answer. I currently get PIP Enhanced Daily Living and Mobility, I also have a PA funded by Adult Services (mentioned because may be relevant to my question), and am estranged from my family due to a family court order. I am struggling greatly in the first few weeks of this year, and I know that I have more challenges ahead with regard to having to attend the family court again (with the support of my PA). My question is if I were to suspend my course to restart September 2024, would I be able to apply for or automatically qualify to continue receiving my maintenance loan due to my being in receipt of PIP (tuition loan would stop until I restarted my course in 2024). I have been working until recently and would certainly attempt to again, but being able to continue receiving the maintenance loan due to my disability and receiving PIP would be a massive help. I do of course know that this would mean my using the + one year with regard to SFE

H there, Your Maintenance Loan funding would be paused until you resumed study the following academic year. Thanks, Angela

Thanks Angela, it looks like I shall have to try phoning again to get a more comprehensive answer (this is because of the wording on the .gov site as quoted above).