AEB Full/Co Funding

So, Aspen is the name of the card payment system usually used by Asylum Seekers? It's not a State Benefit and not really income. Asylum Seekers aren't eligible for UC? Have they *just* got Refugee status?

HI Steve

Yes the learners have been granted asylum by the home office. 

Thanks 

I mean, I can't see a circumstance where they'd *not* be eligible for UC, so I don't think you'd be risking much signing them up before they've got it in writing!

Could the following discretionary rule not be applied?

Providers may also use their discretion to fully fund other learners if both
of the following apply. The learner:
160.1. receives other state benefits (not listed in paragraph 159) and their takehome pay (disregarding Universal Credit payments and other benefits) is
less than £343 a month (learner is sole adult in their benefit claim) or £549
a month (learner has a joint benefit claim with their partner), and
160.2. wants to be employed, or progress into more sustainable employment,
and their take-home pay (disregarding Universal Credit payments and
other benefits) is less than £343 a month (learner is sole adult in their
benefit claim) or £549 a month (learner has a joint benefit claim with their
partner), and you are satisfied identified learning is directly relevant to
their employment prospects and the local labour market needs

They won't be on any other benefits though. The support Asylum Seekers receive is not, strictly speaking, State Benefits.

I've struggled to find a clear definition of 'State Benefit' other than money paid by the government to help people in need - would Asylum Support (the scheme which uses the Aspen card) not meet that criteria?

We have co funded these learners to be on the safe side. 

I've always used this list:

https://www.gov.uk/income-tax/taxfree-and-taxable-state-benefits