IB and Open University

Hi if you go to your local Jobcentre plus office and ask to see what used to be called a disablement resettlement officer they would be able to advise you on your problem. If your IB payments include any Income Support money you will be in a difficult position in being able to do any further education studying at a collage or university. Because income support rules state that you cannot do any “work” including educational work of more than 16 hours in any one week. They DWP may even stop your benefit while they assess weather you can do this course or not.

This is what I'm trying to avoid, having no other means of income. I'm only receiving IB with no other benefits (apart from HB) so I would be in a very difficult position if that stopped. The course I intend to do is also a maximum of 16 hours of study per week but I know how crafty DWP and JC+ can be when it comes to such detail. My concern is that they may suggest that because it is 16 hours (not 15) even though the total amount of credits for the overall duration of the degree (which could be spread over 6 years) would be 360 then it qualifies as work and my benefit would be capped or stopped altogether.

My experience of the Jobcentre is also quite negative, having had no support in the past from them in terms of advice so I'm a little weary about that.

I study part-time at a local college, 10 hours a week. I receive incapacity benefit and DLA. I informed them at the start of my course, over a year ago, have had no problems.