Government-funded training and studying on benefits

Normally you can't study full-time and claim the main means-tested benefits such as Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) and Housing Benefit. However, there are exceptions:

• some students under 19
• if you are one of a couple who are both full-time students and one of you is responsible for a child
• if you are aged 25 or over and have been unemployed for 2 years or more, you may be able to do a full-time employment-related course for up to a year and still get JSA.

You can study part-time and still claim Income Support and Housing Benefit. But it might affect whether you can claim Jobseeker's Allowance, as you need to be 'available for work’ and ‘actively seeking work'. It depends on the number of hours you study and your other circumstances.

You can do an Open University course and still claim Jobseeker's Allowance, as OU study is usually part-time.

For more details on studying while on benefits visit your local Jobcentre Plus.

New Deal

As part of the New Deal training scheme you can choose the 'education and training' option. If you choose this you'll usually get your course costs paid and can get help with related costs such as books, transport, childcare etc.

New Deal for 18-24 year olds - on the 'education and training' option you're guaranteed the equivalent of Jobseeker's Allowance.

New Deal for 25 Plus - on the 'education and training' option you're guaranteed the equivalent of Jobseeker's Allowance, plus some qualify for an additional weekly premium.

New Deal 50 Plus - you may qualify for an in-work training grant.

New Deal for Lone Parents - you can get extra help with travel and childcare costs when on the scheme.

There are also New Deal schemes for self employed people, musicians, partners and disabled people.

Visit New Deal for more details.