CPAG in Scotland Benefits for Students Project

This project aims to increase the number of low income students who are able to access further and higher education. It also aims to reduce the impact of poverty on students who access such educational opportunities. This is through increasing the capacity of front line advice services (in educational institutions and in the wider community) to provide accurate, high quality and effective advice and information on benefits and tax credits for students to eligible claimants – particularly lone parents and those on low incomes. This is done by providing training, factsheets, a handbook, an e-bulletin and running an advice line.

Training

This project delivers a range of training courses set at different levels of experience. For more information download our student and benefits training leaflet for 2011 or email pchalmers@cpagscotland.org.uk.

• Benefits for disabled students
• Introduction to benefits for student advisers
• Students and benefits – an update
• Students and benefits – eligibility
• Students and benefits – treatment of income

In-house courses

• Introduction to funding and benefits for students
• Students and benefits – the basics

Factsheets

We produce a range of factsheets on different aspects of benefits for students in Scotland, which you can download below. Alternatively, to request printed copies email acarr@cpagscotland.org.uk with your details and which titles you would like.

1. Students and tax credits (April 2011)
2. Benefits for disabled students (September 2011)
3. Benefits for young people in further education or training (September 2011)
4. Parents claiming for young people in further education or training (September 2011)
5. Benefits and tax credits for students (September 2011)
6. Employment and support allowance and studying (September 2011)
7. Benefits and tax credits for lone parent students (October 2010)
8. Benefits and tax credits for European students (October 2010)

Benefits for Students in Scotland Handbook

We produce an updated and revised edition of the Benefits for Students in Scotland Handbook early in the academic year. We also ensure the online version of this handbook is updated after April each year with new benefit rates and other changes.

The 9th edition of this handbook 2011/12 is available online for free: http://scottishhandbooks.cpag.org.uk.

The paper version of 9th edition of the Benefits for Students in Scotland Handbook with all the changes for the academic year 2011/12 will be available in mid-September. This year we will not be able to provide free copies of the handbook to universities, colleges and CABx, due to reduced funding. Please order your copy of the handbook now.

E-bulletin: Students and benefits

Our quarterly e-bulletin keeps you up to date with changes in benefits that may affect students. Sign up for the e-bulletin here. Please note, we will not pass your details to anyone outside CPAG, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Recent e-bulletins:

• December 2011
• September 2011
• June 2011
• March 2011
• Past students and benefits e-bulletins

Advice line for advisers

If you work in Scotland and advise students or people thinking about studying, our advice services on welfare benefits and tax credits can help you.

For further information on our Benefits for Students Project please contact:
Angela Toal
Tel: 0141 552 8361
atoal@cpagscotland.org.uk

CPAG in Scotland, Unit 9, Ladywell, 94 Duke Street, Glasgow G4 0UW.

This project is funded by the Scottish Government.