After receiving so many messages telling me I had made a mistake I
triple checked about this.
First, I rang the benefit enquiry line for disabled people on 0800
243355. No problem about having incapacity benefits if lectures are
less than 16 hours a week, but check with local office, I was told.
Checked with local office. No problem about having benefits if undr
16 hours a week, I was told. I asked for this in writing. It was
then explained to me that the reason for the cut off is that if you
can work more than 16 hours a week you cannot be incapacitated - no
mention of full time or part time courses. Under 16 hours, fine. It
is also possible to keep benefits if the course is over 16 hours a
week, as it may lead to a qualification which means someone gets a
job and comes off any kind of benefit. Every case is treated
according to its merits.
Just received another phone call. Harrogate office says if under 16
hours it is okay. In view of my concern they checked with the York
office, which also says it is okay. I again asked for this in
writing and they are going to ring me back.
But so far 4 different people in 3 different offices agree that
everything is okay if the lectures are under 16 hours a week.
Anne-Denise.
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