other benefits

[Kemish]

Good morning, before l post my query can l just say l haven’t written on here before, but have been following it for quite a long time, and it is such a comfort reading stuff from so many people in a similar situation to me, and most the reply’s are so helpful; not too mention caring and lovely! ❤️ Anyway l have a gorgeous 21yr old daughter with a learning disability and epilepsy, she attends a special needs hub in our local college, where she is very happy, and hopefully can continue for at least a few more years, my question is she receives PIP and we have a mobility car and a blue badge, but is she entitled to any other benefits even though she is in full time college? She doesn’t have a social worker or any support from carers etc, everyone l talk to about it tells me different things and lm a bit confused! Hope someone can help, thank you in advance, and l hope you all survive the day!! ☺️

[Maurice_Mencap Partner]

Hello @Kemish, thanks for your message. I'm sure there are lots of members of the community here who have experiences they can share with you.

I'm no benefits expert so can't offer much here, but our Learning Disability Helpline is free to call and our trained advisers will almost certainly be able to help with this. You can reach them on 0808 808 1111 or by email on [e-mail] if you prefer,

Hope that helps. 🙂

[Kemish in reply to Maurice_Mencap]

👍🏼

[Bergersil400 in reply to Maurice_Mencap]

Hi Kemish from someone who has a child with learning disabilities but never been able to access college as level of disabilities is profound she received ESA when attending a day centre , but that doesn't come under education.I do however work as an LSA in a FE college and students I generally work with cannot claim ESA or UC this is because the courses are full time and they usually live at home as most are under 19.

Last year I did work with a student who was slightly older age 21 & he did receive it. This was due to him being a parent to a 2 year old who didn't live with him. The UC was to support his child.

There are bursaries in most colleges for those who need help with transport or costs for food, or if they need money for a lap top. Student welfare normally deals with this. Additionally students with an EHCP qualify for additional educational support for attending college.

[parasiticworm]

I think one can't claim Universal Credit if one is in education, they will be able to when out of education but not 100% I recommend moneysavingexpert forum for benefits questions, there are some very knowledgeable people there with benefits.

[Kemish in reply to parasiticworm]

This is what l thought! Thanks for reply ☺️

[LiLuMi]

I believe a person with a disability can apply for UC after the age of 16, even if they're in full time education. We had to submit fit notes for 3 months before she became eligible for LCWRA. She was still in school when we applied. We are in Northern Ireland

[Kemish in reply to LiLuMi]

Thanks for reply, this is where my confusion comes in! As other people have also told me this…. Tbh it’s not so important right now as we are managing, lm just thinking about the future when she is no longer eligible for college and l might need to give up work!

[LiLuMi in reply to Kemish]

It doesn't hurt to apply, so reach out to Jobs and Benefits. In NI, we have a service Cakes Make The Call, that helps with things like this, too. They let my daughter on even though she was still in school, but another friend was told to wait until term ended