Courses

Hello there. I am still awaiting my ESA reassessment decision but I was wondering if undertaking a part time course i.e. about 4 hrs a week is permissable in either group if I did pass? I'm not actually sure if I would be able to even continue or finish a course if I did start one because of health reasons, which is what has put me off for the last few years that I had considered it.. But to be honest, I left the recent medical assessment feeling so utterly humiliated that I'm desperate to try and do something about my situation and start becoming active, if possible. I have tried to look elsewhere but can't see a definitive answer. Would it depend on which group I was put in (if either)? Or would it depend on reasons for my being on ESA in the first place? I am guessing I would probably have to inform the DWP, even if it was tailored towards work, so could this then also lead to yet another reassessment and lots more stress? Many thanks

Thank you for your help. Yes, it's definitely part time as the provider only runs part time courses and they offer some concessions for people on certain benefits. I've had to check with them what would happen if I then started and was unable to continue, so it is a bit of a worry. Could I ask what you mean by not being at odds with any limitations on which an award may have been made? The link you provided also said the benefit would not usually be affected 'as long as you meet the basic conditions'. I'm not really sure what that means and most enquiries I've managed to find, seem more tailored towards full time study advice instead. I'm too worried I'd make things worse for myself by contacting the DWP to enquire directly or that they might miscontrue things and I know from past experience, that sometimes you can be told different things by different advisers..

Ok, thank you. I don't think there would be coursework as such, as it's only a few hours in the centre but yes, I think I see now what you mean re limitations. I will have to wait for the new decision first then and look at points awarded, if any.. I'm not even sure what specific descriptors I received points for last time, only that finally at appeal, I received enough. I went through such a v.long, stressful process last time that I didn't go into further detail or request further information as I was in such a state and was glad it had finally seemed to come to an end. (Unless I lost the letter but I never knew which ones I rec'd points for). It just seems that on better days, you want to try and help your situation but then by doing so, you could jeopardise your benefit/situation. Can I ask, are any points, if awarded, specified for which descriptor in the decision letter, or would I still have to contact the DWP and request a copy of their medical report etc?

Hi Jb,

For ESA the points are not given on the decision letter, you would need to contact DWP and ask.