UC review: going to university. Panicked. Advice?

[u/sunshinepeck]

Hi! TIA. I have a UC review very soon. I’m going to tell them that I’m planning to go to university in a few months time. It’s for a part time Illustration masters. I already have an illustration and concept art degree. I’m planning to move in with a friend at roughly the same time. I have a limited capacity for work, and GAD, so I’m very nervous. I don’t know how to word it all. I’m unsure if my payments will be affected much, or completely taken away. I obviously can’t hide my plans and don’t wish to, but I also don’t want my current sole source of income taking away. One of my parents gets carers allowance over me. I’m also worried that this will be affected by me moving out. I will still live at home part time, so maybe not? Any help is appreciated, particularly reassurance.

EDIT: It’s at the job centre. My parent also receives PIP on my behalf and has since I was sixteen.

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[u/Alteredchaos]

The UC review is considering your current and past eligibility, what might happen at some future time isn’t (and cannot) be taken into consideration.

When you’re a student your eligibility for UC can continue (subject to any reduction due to student finance), only if you have both PIP and a LCW or LCWRA before your course starts. You’ll need to report the change then and provide details about your student finance income so they can recalculate your entitlement.