Studying on daily allowance – the law surprised TV personality Anniina Manner

When Anniina Manner, a TV personality, started her YAMK studies, she did not expect that studying would become a financial challenge. The TE Office considered her a full-time student, which unexpectedly cut off her earnings-related daily allowance.

How and what did you want to study on daily allowance? How did it go?

I was self-employed for seven years, but my business ended up in bankruptcy. After that, I transferred from the Entrepreneurs’ Fund to the YTK. I was well advised on my situation and continued to work part-time in paid employment with a low income. I applied for a wage guarantee and for a statement from the TE Office on my situation.

In August last year, I started my YAMK studies in Service and Business Design. A few months later, I received a decision from the TE Office that considered me a full-time student, even though the studies were intended to be done alongside work.

According to the law, a student studying for a degree is not entitled to an earnings-related daily allowance. Both the YTK and the TE Office agreed that this was an illogical clause.

Did you have to change your study plans?

Yes. I am considering whether it is financially possible for me to continue my studies. I did receive student benefits and had a part-time job, but I had to think about whether I should drop out or whether I could manage on benefits and part-time work.

However, at the end of the year my part-time job ended and I am currently able to continue my studies thanks to my spouse’s income. I am also looking for a new part-time job.

What additional information would you have liked? What would you have liked to know in advance?

It had never occurred to me that such a legal clause could exist. When I accepted the study place, I would have liked to have had better information about the financial options available if you were not in full-time employment. The YAMK degrees are advertised as something you can do while working, but information on how studying part-time would work financially would have been useful.

From where did you get information regarding your situation?

When I received the statement from the TE Office, I had good discussions with the experts. Together we went through the different options and how long the process would take if I were to appeal the decision. The discussions were helpful and the situation was considered from many angles.

Do you feel that a student who is unemployed is being overlooked?

Yes. A student workling full-time can survive on a salary, while a part-time student can in some cases manage their financial situation. On the other hand, for an unemployed person whose expenses remain unchanged but unemployment benefits sre not available, the situation can be difficult. In my case, for example, my mortgage is a burden, and because I cannot receive daily allowance, my financial situation is challenging.

A young student may not have the same financial obligations, which can make it easier to manage on student benefits, even if it is a struggle.

What advice would you give to those who are considering studying on daily allowance?

It is a good idea to find out your financial possibilities before you accept a study position. The abolition of the adult education grant has made it even more difficult to get support. As long as you have a job, studying while working is a good option. However, it is always a good idea to think carefully about your financial situation beforehand. Studying on daily allowance makes sense, as long as it is not leading to a degree, as this prevents you from receiving earnings-related daily allowance.

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