Full time students, in a couple & benefits

[xSMISHx]

Hi I was wondering if anyone is in the same situation as me an has any information.
In September I will be going to college and will be a full time student, I'm in a relationship an have a baby.
What benefits can I apply for? I thought I'd be able to apply for income support but now I'm not sure I will as I'm in a relationship.
Really worried about what I'll do in September, don't want to give up on college as it will get me a better job and I can then give my lo a better life x

 

[peachprincess]

You probably won't be able to get income support it's ridiculous! If your partner works you arnt entitled even if like me you don't work and your partner is only an apprentice. I would make an appointment ASAP at the local job centre and talk it through with them good luck don't give up on college x

 

[aimee-lou]

Speak to your college and to the job centre. When you say 'in a relationship' do you mean living together or is it more casual. They go off household/unit income so if they're seperate from you and live elsewhere then they'll treat you and LO as a unit, not including your partner.

You probably still wont be able to claim income support as you are capable and available to work so they'll probably try to get you on JSA instead, but if you're on JSA you can claim come course fees etc and you should be able to claim some help with childcare too. I assume that you already claim Child Tax Credits and Child benefit. I'm no expert though - make an appointment and get all the info and don't leave until you are satisfied with the answers.

There may be some student grants and things to cover some living costs as you have a LO that you are responsible for. Speak to your college and find out what they can offer. They're the most up to date. You should also get 25% off your council tax if you don't already.

Good luck

 

[Ceejay123]

I'm different as I'm at uni - but my OH is a student too.

You're not usually entitled to income support as a Uni student.

Does your other half work? That'll be a big decider in the rest. I'm now working - my OH isn't entitled to anything as a student as I work (he gets loans/bursaries) . When we were both students; I was entitled to the usual CTC and CB - That's about it. It's likely to be differnet with college students as you don't get loans/grants etc.

Now the big contribution for us is my full time salary for my placement/his student finance. SF will also pay 85% of Riley's childcare x