I have a client who has received learning fund support for a postgrad training she is on - now DWP have been informed via review A2 form can this cause problems? She did not inform them for two years previously. Last year the learning support grant did not cover the whole of fees and this year it exceeded it but was also meant for course associated costs and this can be proven. Also, is there a requirement to inform DWP of starting such a course, ie does it constitute a change in circs? Thanks

Hi

If you have access to a current CPAG Handbook I suggest looking at pages 646 & 647 which talks about Access funds (which include the Learner Support Fund available to some students in further education, and Access to Learning offered by higher educational institutions in England).

If this is the right thing it depends on whether the payment was a lump sum, which is treated as capital, or instalments which are disregarded income. Payments made before the start of the course, or receipt of a student loan is also ignored.

I would also point out that lone parents have a £20 a week earnings disregard anyway and I'd be surprised if 1.5 hours a week would top that.

Hope this is helpful