Funding when you can’t work

*APOLOGIES FOR POSTING IN THE ENGLISH SECTION, THERE WAS NO OPTION FOR SCOTLAND* I have autism and severe anxiety. I would not be able to attend an in person university because of this. I live in Scotland. I am currently on ESA and PIP. I have never been employed because of my disabilities and have done volunteering part time at most. I want to to do a diploma of higher education in criminology and psychology. I am aware that different rules apply for England than Scotland, and for in person universities and the open uni but cannot figure it out by myself. I live alone and if I do not have any money I will be homeless. I am not a care leaver but had to leave home at 16 and was homeless before getting my own house so do NOT want to end up back in that situation. I am terrified that if I apply then it will be decided that I can work when I cannot even bear the thought of an in person uni never mind having to jump straight into full time or part time work as well. From what I can gather, I’d be entitled to a slightly larger sum than £9000 but it would be only a loan (this could be for in person universities only, I couldn’t actually tell). This would not even be enough money to cover the course fees and some of my rent. I just do not know what to do as the only jobs I can get without an education would kill me, quite literally, as I would not be able to cope on a shop floor or in a busy environment and would simply rather not be here than have sensory overloads every day of my life. I also feel as though I will not be able to get an education without going homeless or winning the lottery, however. I’m open to any advice you might have.

Reply 1

51emma15

I have autism and severe anxiety. I would not be able to attend an in person university because of this. I live in Scotland. I am currently on ESA and PIP. I have never been employed because of my disabilities and have done volunteering part time at most. I want to to do a diploma of higher education in criminology and psychology. I am aware that different rules apply for England than Scotland, and for in person universities and the open uni but cannot figure it out by myself. I live alone and if I do not have any money I will be homeless. I am not a care leaver but had to leave home at 16 and was homeless before getting my own house so do NOT want to end up back in that situation. I am terrified that if I apply then it will be decided that I can work when I cannot even bear the thought of an in person uni never mind having to jump straight into full time or part time work as well. From what I can gather, I’d be entitled to a slightly larger sum than £9000 but it would be only a loan (this could be for in person universities only, I couldn’t actually tell). This would not even be enough money to cover the course fees and some of my rent. I just do not know what to do as the only jobs I can get without an education would kill me, quite literally, as I would not be able to cope on a shop floor or in a busy environment and would simply rather not be here than have sensory overloads every day of my life. I also feel as though I will not be able to get an education without going homeless or winning the lottery, however. I’m open to any advice you might have.

Reply 2

normaw

Clearing and Applications Advisor, Universities Forum Helper

I've moved your thread to the SAAS forum as you are resident in Scotland and would need to apply to SAAS for funding.

I'd recommend that you call SAAS to discuss your situation and ask for advice on what you could be entitled to. If you choose to study part time, you might be eligible for a fee grant. More info here:

https://www.open.ac.uk/courses/fees-and-funding/fee-grant-scotland-finance

Reply 3

Cote1

Hi
It is best to get benefits advice from an advice agency. If the rules for ESA and PIP are the same in Scotland, you can probably claim ESA still as a student. I am assuming that you have limited capability for work-related activity. You should still be able to keep PIP if you are a student.

An advice agency can advise on how any student loan would affect your ESA. A student loan won't affect PIP.

I know that some rules in Scotland are different so please get some specialist advice.

If your change in circumstance means that your income is too high to keep ESA,
then once you lose entitlement to ESA, in England you lose it permanently now, and have to claim Universal Credit. Not sure if it's different in Scotland. However, the plan is to eventually move everyone to Universal Credit in Scotland, so it will happen later regardless, so I wouldn't worry about that as a factor.

(edited 6 months ago)

Reply 4

Cote1

I am assuming that you get housing benefit at present and will stay living in your current accommodation so you may be able to still get this as a disabled student, in theory, but get advice on how a student loan in Scotland would affect it. This may affect your entitlement. If you move accommodation that can trigger a move to Universal Credit for housing costs in England, depending on the circumstances.

(edited 6 months ago)

Reply 5

Cote1

If you study part-time the benefit rules are different but it should not necessarily stop you getting ESA or housing benefit. It's a good idea to get advice on how the student loan will affect it. I keep saying get benefits advice... but get benefits advice. :smile: