ESA support group and part time distance learning

Hi,

I hope someone will be able to advise me. I am in the support group, thanks to this site. However in order to keep my brain going I am doing an open university course. It is in maths so not much writing and is something I can do in bits and pieces. I need to have special examination requirements because I can't travel to an exam and I have to write in pencil as I have dexterity issues. In addition I need extra time to rest during the exam, take medications etc. I need my gp to confirm all this which she is happy to do. She also supports me trying to keep my brain going and giving me some structure and self esteem. So my questions


1. Is it allowable to do a part time distance learning course and be in support group. I can only manage because I do very little and do it when I can (nothing for the last 3 weeks for example as I have been to ill) and because i've not got anyone breathing down my neck I can deal with things. Also no need to turn up anywhere etc.

2. If it is allowable, do I have to tell dwp. How do I do this without triggering a major investigation.

3. Because my gp has to write a letter the details will be on my files - will dwp see these and wil this cause trouble?

4. Would it be best just to stop the course and play it save. I do not want to break any rules and not sure I could cope with any investigations etc.

Many thanks.

Hi

Good for you!!! I don't know the answer to your question but i am keen to read any responses!!! I am also in the support group and have seriously thought about doing an open university course in criminology but i am not sure if doing this would have detrimental consequences therefor i have not signed up to anything. Firstly it would keep my mind active and secondly should i ever be in a position to work again i would benefit from having this under my belt. I would also have restrictions re exams, period of study etc so doing a home study would allow me to study as and when my disability allowed. Surely just because we are in the support group doesn't mean that we shouldn't keep our brains active, logic tells me it is a positive step but not sure how DWP would see this. I will follow this topic with much interest.

Milly xx

Thanks for the replies.



Milly moo thanks for the encouragement.

Gordon, I phoned CAB this morning and they did not know. So I phoned a general benefit advice line that the cab gave me, they did not know either and so I rang job centre plus who said that it was ok... As the course was distance learning. But I don't really trust the answer.... It is not really proof just to have a telephone response is it. If I write in it will be a can of worms.....

Do the dwp get to see all medical notes if they request them. I did not have a medical in order to get into the support group, nor did dwp contact my gp.

The OU has no attendance requirements you just do some assignments and there are rules so you can miss some and have to do an exam, and they are very helpful a out giving extra time for exam of assignments if required. So I will get 4.5 hours to do a 3 hour exam. Not sure I'll pass or even complete exam/ course but it feels good to be trying. No one could employ me as I am to erratic health wise and often bed bound.

Thanks again, MrsC.

The rules for claimants in receipt of sickness/disability benefits are quite complicated and can depend on the nature and level of the course being studied, but more importantly whether the course will be consistent with the claimed level of disability? For example, would a person with a severe mental health problem have the capacity to to study in further education, safe in the knowledge that there would be no adverse effect on their benefit entitlement?

There are a number of permutations which take into account a broad range of factors when claimants are incapacitated and wish to undergo a course of further education, therefore I concur that face-to-face advice should be sought from a CAB or welfare rights office.