Invalid's benefit
If you currently get an Invalid's Benefit from Work and Income, this is how becoming a student would affect you.
General criteria
You may be able to stay on the Invalid's Benefit and study full or part-time. Please make an appointment to see your case manager to discuss your intention to study.
If your study is at level three or below on the National Qualifications Framework, you may also be entitled to a Training Incentive Allowance (TIA) to assist with the costs of study. Talk to your case manager about this.
You may also be eligible for the fees and course-related costs components of the Student Loan depending on your study and the amount of your TIA.
Partner also receiving benefit
If you and your partner have no children or your youngest child is aged 6 or over, you may study full-time without it affecting your partner's benefit eligibility if you have been granted an exemption from your work test obligations because you:
- were in full-time approved study at the time they became subject to the work test or
- are engaged in approved full-time study.
Contact your case manager to discuss this.
If you are aged 24+ and there are no children
If you are aged 24 years or more with no children, and you and your partner are both getting a benefit, the same rules apply to their benefit as to yours.
If you or your partner are under 24
If you or your partner are aged under 24 years, with no children, your relationship will not be recognised for a Student Allowance. You may apply for the Student Allowance and a Student Loan as if you were a single person.
Your partner may be able to remain on a half-married rate of benefit.
