ESa and studying

Can you claim ESA if you are studying at university?

Yes, you can, but you may find it more difficult to satisfy the DWP that you are unfit for work. It would knock out a lot of possible points, as it were.

See ESA and Students for more details.

If study is with the Open University, then there is a lot more flexability in our ( or if ) it affects ESA .

If study is with the Open University, then there is a lot more flexibility on how it affects ESA .

Because OU study is done in your own time, it can be argued that if you're not well enough to study, then you don't have to. However, if your ESA is for mental health issues such as lack of concentration and forgetfulness, then you would have a dichotomy on your hand.

I do apologise to the mods, but I just wanted to add that OU study is seen by the DWP as part time study (not full time.

The Open University offers a good disabled support network.

Definately studying, and any voluntary work involving concentration and social interaction have great potential (in the longer term) to undermine the claim to ESA

Many claimants are understandably keen to test their own boundaries and be occupied but it can come ay a great cosy

Eg, volunteer unpaid work could cost the claimant their ESA Thats getting unpaid paid (voluntary work) and the real risk of losing the benefits