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ESA and Open University- query
- annie-rose
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5 years 7 months ago #217033 by annie-rose
ESA and Open University- query was created by annie-rose
Hello,
I was just wondering about OU study whilst on ESA. My medical condition means that I could not attend work related activity sessions BUT I might be able to study 30 credits (1/4 of a full course load) of OU study. This is something that's really important to me because I left my course at a Russell group University prematurely due to my illness two and a half years ago following a long struggle on at Uni with my condition and have struggled to cope with the impact of my withdrawal since.
My question is if I am not seeking Student Finance, only studying one stand-alone module and not even sure if I will complete it- do I need to tell the DWP? Would they then deem me fit for WRA?
I was just wondering about OU study whilst on ESA. My medical condition means that I could not attend work related activity sessions BUT I might be able to study 30 credits (1/4 of a full course load) of OU study. This is something that's really important to me because I left my course at a Russell group University prematurely due to my illness two and a half years ago following a long struggle on at Uni with my condition and have struggled to cope with the impact of my withdrawal since.
My question is if I am not seeking Student Finance, only studying one stand-alone module and not even sure if I will complete it- do I need to tell the DWP? Would they then deem me fit for WRA?
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- Gordon
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5 years 7 months ago #217036 by Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gordon on topic ESA and Open University- query
Ellie
An Open University course would not conflict with the payment of your ESA, providing you are not seeking Student Finance as it is not classed as a full-time course, however, you seriously need to consider whether doing so argues against the reasons you have been awarded ESA.
If this was due to your being unable to do Work Related Activity due to a risk of harm then I think a university course will be taken as showing that you can indeed undertake WRA!
Gordon
An Open University course would not conflict with the payment of your ESA, providing you are not seeking Student Finance as it is not classed as a full-time course, however, you seriously need to consider whether doing so argues against the reasons you have been awarded ESA.
If this was due to your being unable to do Work Related Activity due to a risk of harm then I think a university course will be taken as showing that you can indeed undertake WRA!
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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- annie-rose
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5 years 7 months ago #217053 by annie-rose
Replied by annie-rose on topic ESA and Open University- query
Hi Gordon,
I don't think that I was awarded it on the basis of risk but on the basis of functional limitations. I have asked to see the assessment report but do you think it's better to avoid OU?
I don't think that I was awarded it on the basis of risk but on the basis of functional limitations. I have asked to see the assessment report but do you think it's better to avoid OU?
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- Gordon
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5 years 7 months ago #217058 by Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gordon on topic ESA and Open University- query
Ellie
I can't answer this. I would encourage anybody to try and expand their horizons and skills but you must be pragmatic about this and consider the assumptions that will be made by your doing the course and whether they have the potential to cause issues with your award.
As a deliberately silly example; if you have problems starting and finishing tasks then your doing the course would likely be at odds with your ESA.
Gordon
I can't answer this. I would encourage anybody to try and expand their horizons and skills but you must be pragmatic about this and consider the assumptions that will be made by your doing the course and whether they have the potential to cause issues with your award.
As a deliberately silly example; if you have problems starting and finishing tasks then your doing the course would likely be at odds with your ESA.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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- annie-rose
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5 years 7 months ago #217109 by annie-rose
Replied by annie-rose on topic ESA and Open University- query
Thanks Gordon.
Is there a legal obligation to inform the DWP of OU study even if it's a stand-alone module or do they only want to know if you're signing up for a qualification?
Is there a legal obligation to inform the DWP of OU study even if it's a stand-alone module or do they only want to know if you're signing up for a qualification?
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- Gordon
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5 years 7 months ago #217115 by Gordon
There is no obligation for you to notify the DWP about your starting an OU course.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gordon on topic ESA and Open University- query
Ellie wrote: Thanks Gordon.
Is there a legal obligation to inform the DWP of OU study even if it's a stand-alone module or do they only want to know if you're signing up for a qualification?
There is no obligation for you to notify the DWP about your starting an OU course.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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