To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what benefits are available to (a) undergraduate and (b) postgraduate students who have been released into the community under section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983, have been certified as unfit for work or study for a specified period, and are unable immediately to continue their studies or receive funding contingent on further study; and if he will make a statement. (219099)

There are no benefits specifically aimed at this group of individuals. Entitlement to any benefits will be dependent on the individual's circumstance and their meeting the normal qualifying conditions for the benefit.

For anybody being provided with care under section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1993, entitlement to some benefits will be dependent on the exact nature of the care being provided by the relevant authorities.