§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Education and Employment regarding the link between student loans and social security payments. [26853]
§ Mr. Roger EvansDepartmental officials and those from the Department for Education and Employment have regular discussions regarding the interaction of the educational maintenance system and social security benefits.
§ Mr. CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) under what circumstances student loans are counted as income when applying for social security benefits; [26850]
(2) if he will make a statement on the link between student loans and social security benefits. [26852]
§ Mr. EvansThe majority of full-time students are not eligible for income-related social security benefits, although students in vulnerable groups—disabled students and those with dependent children—and partners of students do retain eligibility.
Student loans are taken into account as income for social security benefit purposes, subject to a £10 weekly disregard. Any student loan not taken out, but which would be available to a student if he or she took reasonable steps to acquire it, is treated in the same way.
§ Mr. CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people in receipt of student loans are in receipt also of social security payments; and which social security payments they are in receipt of. [26854]
§ Mr. CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security under what circumstances student loans are taken into account when applying for council tax 385W rebates; and if he will make a statement on the link between student loans and forms of assistance with housing needs. [26849]
§ Mr. EvansThe majority of full-time students are not eligible for income-related social security benefits, including council tax benefit. This applies equally to housing benefit and housing costs met by income support. However, students in vulnerable groups—disabled and those with dependent children—and partners of students retain eligibility for these benefits.
Students loans are taken into account as income for council tax benefit, housing benefit and income support purposes, subject to a £10 weekly disregard. Any student loan not taken out, but which would be available to a student if he or she took reasonable steps to acquire it, is treated in the same way.