Hi, I have two students in second year of three year Uni degree course, baby due 10 Oct 09. They both have the student grants/loans. They are hoping to get benefits during the school summer hols. Unsure if she can get this or if he can get JSA, any help appreciated.

Are these students partners or two separate pregnant students? If partners:
CPAG's Student Support and benefits h'book, page 166 says: a member of a couple who are both full time students and responsible for a child can claim IS during summer vacation.
See also Cpag Welf Bens and Tax Creds h'book, page 586

Student Loan is counted as an income till last benefit week of June, after that entitled students can claim IS/JSA

Hi, they are a couple, she has put in a claim for maternity allowance as the baby is due 10th October, they are both returning to 3rd year studies in the autumn. They have no other children so I am unclear if 'responsible for a child' includes being pregnant. If she gets MA I am guessing he won't get IBJSA as MA will take them over the appropriate amount?

I am not very good on benefits for pregnant women but I know that her partner can claim JSA. JCP may refuse the claim at first because they routinely reject students' claims for JSA. But if the student is saying that he is willing to work 40 hours per week then the claim should not be refused. It will be worth quoting the commissioner’s decision that led to the change in the regulations: CJSA/2663/2006.
Furthermore, get the student to see their University's or Student Union's welfare adviser. Most Student Unions provide this service and many are truly excellent. Students and benefits is a narrow, specialist area and there are specialist advisers in vast majority of SUs.
If your clients' Uni or SU don't have this service, please let me know. Do they know about Access to Learning Fund?

My colleague wanted me to clarify that "joint student claim for JSA only applies to students who are disabled or caring for a child. I don't think they will be entitled to claim until the baby is born."