WELFARE BENEFITS OVER THE SUMMER

The University of Sunderland Financial Advisors have asked us to post some advice explaining welfare benefits and how these affect students over the summer.

Are you completing your course?

If you are completing your course of study and do not have a job lined up you can claim Job Seeker's Allowance (JSA) from the end of the official academic year. You can also claim Housing Benefit (HB) and Council Tax Benefit (CTB).

Are you completing your course but returning to start another in September?

If you are completing one course and returning to start another course in September, you can claim JSA, HB and CTB as you are not classed as a student until you register in September.

Are you a continuing student?

The vast majority of continuing students are not eligible for JSA, HB or CTB.
Over the summer vacation the government expects students to be able to work.

Are you a student couple with children?

Student couples with children can claim JSA over the summer if one of you 'signs on' as available for, and actively seeking work.

Are you a lone parent or affected by a disability?

Lone parents and students with certain disabilities, or who are classed as 'incapable of work', are eligible for Income Support (IS) and HB. Your Student Loan is treated as available income until the end of June. Contact your JobCentre+ in June for an application form. During July and August you may receive IS depending on any other sources of income you may have (eg. earnings, maintenance, Incapacity Benefit).

Do you have a non-student partner ?

If you have a non-student partner who is eligible for JSA/IS/HB, they should ask for a re-assessment or make an application at the end of June when your Student loan is no longer treated as income.

Already receiving IS and HB but starting a course in September?

You are treated as having your Student Loan from September and your IS and HB will be reassessed - even though the Loan is not paid until the actual academic year begins. You should apply to the University's *Access to Learning Fund

• for help during this period - please contact the University Financial Advisors, or the Students' Union Welfare Advisors during the summer vacation about this.

What is the Access to Learning Fund?

The Access to Learning Fund

• provides extra financial support to help students who have higher than expected costs (such as single parents) or if they have problems during their course (for example burglary) or of they face serious financial problems during their course. The fund can be used for course related costs such as childcare, books/equipment, travel, general living costs (such as rent). If you qualify for a payment from the fund , it will not usually have to be repaid and in some circumstances repeat applications can be

Need more advice or information?

There are two sources of financial advice on benefits within the University;

The University Financial Counselling Service
Edinburgh Building
Chester Road
Sunderland
SR1 3SD
Telephone; 0191 515 2284 or 0191 515 3478
This service is busy and it is advisable to make an appointment.

or

University of Sunderland Students' Union Advice Centre

Welfare Advisors
Ground Floor

Edinburgh Building
Chester Road
Sunderland
SR1 3SD

Opening Times :
Monday to Wednesday 9-30 to 5-30
Thursday and Friday 9-30 to 4-30
Drop-in service and appointments

Tel: 0191 515 3030
Fax: 0191 515 2441