Benefits Whilst Training?

[TheBeeKeeper]

Hi folks,

Just looking at the pheasability of gaining an ATPL in the next couple of years and when looking at the finances, I just wondered if anyone has been able to claim any allowances, benefits and the like, whilst in training?

TBK

[Ropey Pilot]

You probably can - but if you are used to being quite honest you might find it difficult!

I believe that job seekers allowance entitles you to 6 weeks to find a job of your choosing before you have to start accepting what they give you (there are a lot of minimum wage jobs out there!).

People obviously do play the system - have an interview get the job and make sure you are sacked 2 days later and voilà - another 6 weeks of dole being the most obvious.

And in order to claim the allowance you must be able for work (ie not training on several days a week). If you are going down the route the fact that you are self funding a very expensive training course doesn't hold any water with them at all - don't mention it and pretend you are an unemployable moron.

As to benefits other than job seekers you could try your local citizen's advice bureau

[ITFC1]

I am doing it now actually, but i did get made redundant from my flying job, i got to my 13 week interview and they said i can have another 13 weeks as its a specialist trade, but i am not sure after that.

i am finding it quite easy to act a bit stupid, which is quite worrying!!! but i do fit in well when i go down there

[moggiee]

I think you can get help towards some re-training costs if you are unemployed for more than 6 months.

[Maude Charlee]

Your only benefit is that you are exempt from payment of Council Tax provided it is a full time (ie, integrated) approved course of study. You get zilch as far as other benefits are concerned, unless you wish to defraud the system and run the risk of a criminal conviction before the ink on your licence is dry. You can't even claim the tax back on your training anymore either.

[potkettleblack]

I know of at least one fulltime residential ground school (modular route) that will write you a letter so that you are exempt from council tax as well so I don't think it is limited to solely integrated courses.

[smith]

Yes, I am at Glasgow College of Nautical Studies doing ATPL grounds full time and am exempt from paying all council taxes. Remember the first P in pprune is for PROFESSIONAL and screwing the DSS for JSA is not a very professional thing to do. In fact it is despicable and I hope that the fraud investigators jump on anyone who does. This will stall their career before it has begun if they get convicted and good riddance to anyone who does get caught.

Why should I pay my taxes ( I still work at weekends) and let scroungers live off it!!!

Ropey Pilot and ITFC

Altough you are not actually screwing the DSS you seem to be condoning it, as professional or wannabe professional pilots, you should be ashamed!!!

[Ropey Pilot]

Smith - I don't condone it (although I agree my post can read like that); I was simply pointing out that I don't think you can do it honestly - at least not for any length of time anyway. (actually re-reading it it does come accross as a suggestion)

I myself did my training and after completing that was unemployed for a further 6 months while trying to find a flying job without claiming a penny (my wife works luckily).

However when I found out that I would actually have to pay my own NI because I wasn't earning or claiming I went down to my job centre (I didn't mind not claiming dole but I resented the fact I would have to pay not to!:mad: ). I was then told that because I had been unemployed for > 6weeks I wasn't even allowed a 'grace' period in which to find a job of my choice (ie pilot) before I had to start work at starbucks / night security etc on min wage. The fact I had not claimed a penny from anyone for the previous year didn't matter apparently!

Despite a lengthy discussion on the fact that I didn't want to work full time on min wage starting tomorrow - I wanted to get a job as a pilot and be available for interviews etc the answer was basically a 'computer says no'.
Fortunately someone overheard my discussion and suggested a course (some sort of CV prep / job seeking course for 'professionals') which allowed me to claim for up to 13 weeks without having to attend interviews for the jobs they suggested. Luckily I landed an airline job during this period so the problem was sorted. ITFC seems to have had a better experience on this front.

It was a bit galling at how difficult it was to get anything when I needed it (wife's income not withstanding) given how much I have paid in for the previous 12 years. I also surprised me as to how unemployment can be so high with literally thousands of jobs available requiring no qualifications. To me that just shows how many do play the system - but that is an entirely different thread!

[ITFC1]

SMITH I dont condone it and if you are that serious that i am a fraud, please Pm me with your E-mail address and i will give you my full name, Ni. number , my Job centre Phone and please report me for fraud.

I dont see how studying for my JAA ATPL's whilst looking for another job is fraud, i was flying here in the Uk for over 4 years until i was suddenly made redundant, i call it making most of the time available, i have recently had my 13 week interview, where i had to produce documents showing i have applied for Pilot Position's, they were more than happy with this. I dont see how by doing my ATPL's and increasing my chances of getting a job is classed as fraud.They understand this is a Specialist Position and are more OK with this.

Now i understand your entitled to you opinion, and i respect that, but if you want to report me please E-mail me, i too have paid into the system too for the last 17 years, so i am going to turn down what is entitled to me because its not "professional". We had a baby 3 weeks after i lost my job and we are only claiming for what we are entitled to.

[lockton9334]

You can't even claim the tax back on your training anymore either.

People that have been "pre-selected" by an airline, such as the Excel scheme run at OAT will be able to claim tax relief on the full cost of training, not sure about "standard" integrated or modular students however.

Before anyone asks how I know, I phoned the IR to enquire, "it is allowable as it is for the sole and only purpose of finding employment within that sector", they would have to look at "properly" produced figures and reports to comment on the "standard" integrated and modular students.

Hope this may be of some use (I am not a qualified accountant or financial advisor, so use the above information at your own risk)

Jonathan

[Superpilot]

If you can prove that the training is for a UK registered company then of course you (if you are the Director) / the company can claim back tax. Just like Excel and TCX have done through Oxford.

[smith]

Ropey and ICT

Didn't mean to offend. I gave up a job to do the ATPL's and work weekends to keep the wolf from the door. I didn't accuse either of you of anything just of condoning a practice, which I now realise is a false accusation.

I have no reason to be interested in NI numbers and tax numbers.

Sorry if you think I was pointing the finger at anyone, but just in general at any dole blagger.

PS I have no intention of reporting anyone.

[ITFC1]

Hi Smith,
No problem mate, appreciate you saying. No offence is taken with me.

How are the studies going, i have only just received my books and am coverting over a FAA ATP.

All the best with it.

Graham

[Gugnunc]

Whilst not really a benefit, if you have children then you can still get Child Benefit and Children's Tax Credit. These, together with my wife's part time income help a bit with my living costs. Having worked for all the 16 odd years before my modular course I don't feel too bad claiming these!

I'm in Scotland, and there is something called Learn Direct where they give you £200 for part/full time study. It is advertised on TV and gives the impression that you just ring up and get the £200. All well and good if you are doing advanced whale watching basket weaving - but of course, CPL/ATPL doesn't qualify as a recognised course of learning.

- Oh and Career Development Loans (Barclays) turned me down because they said I was too affluent. !!!??!!!

Don't get me started on other European Countries giving ATPL students grants and allowing the cost of training to be offset against income tax for the first 5 years of employment.....grrrrrrrrr