Benefits and Study

Hi, I've been ill with depression, anxiety, panic attacks and severe sleep disturbance for nearly 4 years. At it's worse I've felt suicidal but have gradually improved despite many relapses. I've been taking medication for the past 5 months which has helped relieve some of the anxiety.

After completing a part time access course I'm planning to go to college full time from this Sept to study a degree in Fine Art. I've been receiving support from student disability services. I'm receiving Incapacity Benefit and DLA mobility lower rate and care component middle rate. I was last reassessed in June. I need to let the benefits agency know that I'm starting a full time course.

I'm not sure what to tell them as I'm still ill but I'm going to study to try to move on in my life. Am I entitled to continue any benefits that I'm getting now? Do I need to send them a special form or will a letter do? I want to make sure I'm following the correct procedures regarding benefits and studying.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Hi Spectralis,

I think the only safe answer we can give you is that you really do need to get specific advice before taking this step. Do you still have contact with student disability services. If not, try a local advice agency.

Good luck with the degree though, it sounds like a really positive move.

Steve

The National Bureau for Students with Disabilities (Skill) has information on this and on other topics relating to studying when disabled.

This is a list of useful information.

www.skill.org.uk/page.aspx?c=14&p=147