HC Deb 06 June 1991 vol 192 cc332-3W
Mr. O'Brien

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will consider allowing payment of income support to students during the coming summer vacation who are unable to obtain temporary employment; and if he will make a statement.

Miss Widdecombe

Financial support for students throughout the year, including the summer vacation, is provided through the educational maintenance system. But certain students such as those who are disabled, lone parents, and student couples with children, may qualify for income support during the summer vacation. We have no plans to extend this concession.

Mr. O'Brien

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what advice his Department gives to students who apply for benefit for the period during the summer vacation because there is no temporary work available; and if he will make a statement.

Miss Widdecombe

Full-time students are no longer entitled to unemployment benefit. With the exception of certain vulnerable groups, they are similarly unable to qualify for income support and housing benefit. Financial support throughout the year, including the summer vacation, is provided through the educational maintenance system.

Mr. O'Brien

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what benefit a student can obtain during the summer vacation who cannot obtain temporary employment; and if he will make a statement.

Miss Widdecombe

With the exception of unemployment benefit, income support and housing benefit, the normal range of social security benefits is available to full-time students who satisfy the appropriate qualifying conditions. Full-time students in certain vulnerable groups, including lone parents, student couples with dependent children and disabled students also retain eligibility to income support and housing benefit. Partners of students may also qualify for these benefits on behalf of the couple.