Hi!
New to this, but need advice. My current situation is that my temp position may be ending in august, which may mean that I may have to make a claim for JSA. However, I also would like to start an access course in psychology-but do not know whether to apply for the undergraduate degree at the same time. I know the access course is 6 months, but in that time do you go to any centres for any tutorials etc? Secondly, do I declare that I am taking an access course to the benefits agency, and will they force me to give it up if they find me another job? Lastly, if I apply for a degree course, is the first year part-time or full-time, and how do I go about applying for funding? Will the benefits agency then say that what I get from student loans is my income, and therefore make any claim I make for JSA void? I live with my two children and no other adult. Phew!! Any answers would be greatly appreciated..it will help to get my head around this!
Thanks in advance!!
Hi and welcome to Platform. I would suggest you speak to initially a course advisor within our student services team. They will also be able to guide you and put you in touch with those in the OU who can help you with your funding questions. Telephone number: 0845 300 60 90.
Good luck with it all!
Jenny
Platform team
Hi, I'm in a similar situation but at the end of my Y183 module, awaiting results.
If the access course prevents you from looking for work then JSA may not see this as viable. If however you can do it while keeping a p/t job then they have no problems. The only problem is if you do a degree and recieve student finance as the maintenence grant is classed as income and you can't apply for JSA in term time.
Although if you apply for a degree with the ou, student finance see it as p/t and so will pay the course fees but no maintenance grant (as you could work if doing a p/t degree), so you may still get JSA if you enrol with the ou, but don't quote me on that.
If you are doing the Y183 access to success, you don't need to attend a centre.
I've got 3 kids and just been made redundant, so I've had a look at the options. I've applied for a degree and student finance too so feel free to ask any other questions and I'll try to help. :)