I'm being totally lazy here, so I apologise. I don't usually work with students and therefore know very little about what benefits they're entitled to. I have a client, thirties, currently claiming IS (with premiums)DLA MRC, HB, CTB, lives alone in Glasgow. He wants to study for an HNC 17 hours at a local college. What should he claim? Does he need to stop claiming IS and get a student loan? Or can he as a disabled student carry on claiming IS - he initially claimed it on the grounds of incapacity for work.

Please help!

Ali

Should be no reason why he cannot continue recieving current benefits as he will count as a disabled student. However, would suggest he obtains something in writing from his GP or someone else involved in his care, confirming that although he can cope with part-time study, he is not capable of work and that the effects/needs of his condition remain the same, and that he then informs DWP of his intentions. In my experience, when DWP get wind that someone is studying all roads lead to the PCA and a letter from a medical professional can prevent this happening.

Thank you

Ali