Janice Lozano
University students' eligibility for housing benefits is a complex issue. While most full-time students are not entitled to housing benefits, there are exceptions. Students in temporary accommodation, certain supported accommodations, or those who have reached the state pension age may be eligible for housing support. Additionally, students who are receiving specific benefits, such as Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, may also qualify for housing benefits. International students' eligibility depends on their immigration status, and those funded by the NHS may claim housing benefits under the same rules as other students. With various factors and exceptions to consider, it is always recommended that students seek advice from their student union or organizations like Citizens Advice to understand their specific situation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full-time students | Not entitled to Housing Benefit |
| Students with children | Entitled to Housing Benefit |
| Students receiving Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, or income-related Employment and Support Allowance | Entitled to Housing Benefit |
| Students with disabilities | May be entitled to Housing Benefit |
| Students under 21 in further education | May be entitled to Housing Benefit |
| International students | May not be entitled to Housing Benefit |
| Students receiving grants or loans | May receive reduced Housing Benefit |
| Students over 66 | May receive maximum Housing Benefit if eligible for Pension Credit |
| Students in temporary accommodation | May be entitled to Housing Benefit |
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What You'll Learn
International students
Most full-time students in the UK are not entitled to Housing Benefit. However, students in temporary accommodation (under Homelessness Prevention legislation), certain supported accommodation, or those who have reached State Pension age may be eligible. Additionally, students under 21 in further education (not higher education) who enrolled before the age of 19, or under 20 and still receiving Child Benefit, may also be eligible. If you are an international student and receive a student loan or grant, this will usually reduce the amount of Housing Benefit you can get. Your student income, such as loans and grants, can affect how much benefit you receive.
If you are an international student in the UK, your eligibility for benefits will depend on your visa status and the terms of your visa. International students on a Tier 4 visa, for example, are typically not eligible for most benefits, including Housing Benefit. However, there may be exceptions for students who have worked a certain number of hours or have a dependent child. It is important to check the specific rules for your visa type.
If you are not eligible for Housing Benefit, you may be able to apply for Universal Credit to help with housing costs. Universal Credit is available to students in full-time non-advanced education who do not receive a student loan or maintenance grant and are available for work. The amount of Universal Credit you receive will be affected by your student income, with £1 deducted for every £1 you are entitled to receive from a maintenance loan.
It is recommended to use an online benefits calculator to check your eligibility for Housing Benefit or Universal Credit, as the rules can be complex and depend on individual circumstances. You can also seek advice from a student adviser or Citizen's Advice for more detailed information on your specific situation.
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Students with children
Generally, full-time students are not entitled to Housing Benefit. However, students with children can access Housing Benefit under certain circumstances.
If you are a full-time student who already receives Housing Benefit, you can continue to receive it if you are a lone parent or part of a couple with children, and you are both full-time students. This condition also applies if you are a full-time student who falls into one of the groups that can still make new claims for Housing Benefit.
It is important to note that receiving student support in the form of a grant or loan may reduce the amount of Housing Benefit you can claim. However, if you also receive Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, or income-related Employment and Support Allowance, you will automatically receive your maximum entitlement to Housing Benefit.
The rules regarding students and benefits can be complex, so it is always recommended to seek advice from organisations like Shelter Cymru, Citizens Advice, or your student union for more detailed information specific to your situation.
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Students with disabilities
Most full-time students are not entitled to Housing Benefit. However, students with disabilities can claim Housing Benefit in certain circumstances. For example, if you are receiving a Disabled Student Grant that includes an allowance for deafness, you may be eligible for Housing Benefit. Additionally, if you have been assessed as having a limited capability for work under ESA rules for a continuous period of 28 weeks, you may also be eligible. It is important to note that if you are a student receiving a student loan or grant, this will usually reduce the amount of Housing Benefit you can claim.
If you are a student with a disability, you may also be able to claim Universal Credit. Since December 2021, to qualify for Universal Credit, you must have been assessed as having a limited capability for work before starting your course. You may be eligible for Universal Credit if you are a full-time student who does not receive a student loan or maintenance grant and you are available for work. Your student income, such as loans and grants, can affect how much Universal Credit you receive.
If you are already receiving Housing Benefit, you may eventually be asked to claim Universal Credit instead. You may also need to claim Universal Credit if your circumstances change. If you are claiming Housing Benefit, you can contact your local authority or use their claim form. For more information on claiming Housing Benefit as a student with a disability, you can contact the Disabled Students Helpline.
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Students over 66
If you are over 66 and qualify for guaranteed Pension Credit, you will receive the maximum entitlement to Housing Benefit. This applies even if you receive a student grant or loan, which is usually considered income and can reduce the amount of benefit you are entitled to. If you are under 66 and receive student support, your Housing Benefit entitlement may be reduced.
To be eligible for Housing Benefit, you must also meet certain other criteria. For example, if you are a student over 66 and live in supported, sheltered, or temporary housing, you may be eligible for Housing Benefit. Additionally, if you are a couple where one partner has reached State Pension age and started claiming Pension Credit before 15 May 2019, you may also be entitled to Housing Benefit.
It is worth noting that if you are a full-time student over 66, you may also be eligible for Universal Credit if you do not receive a student loan or maintenance grant and are available for work. Your student income, such as loans and grants, can affect how much Universal Credit you receive.
To determine your eligibility for Housing Benefit or Universal Credit, you can use an online benefits calculator or contact your local council or Citizen's Advice for more detailed information.
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Students in temporary accommodation
Full-time students typically cannot make new claims for housing benefits. However, students who already have an existing claim for housing benefits may be able to continue receiving them while studying, provided they meet certain conditions. One condition is receiving Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, or income-related Employment and Support Allowance. Additionally, students who are lone parents or part of a couple with children and are both full-time students may also be eligible.
For students in temporary accommodation, their eligibility for housing benefits may depend on whether they fall under Homelessness Prevention legislation. Students in this situation should also consider other sources of support, such as Universal Credit, which can help with housing costs. It is worth noting that receiving student support in the form of grants or loans may reduce the amount of Housing Benefit one can claim.
To summarise, while students in temporary accommodation may be eligible for housing benefits, the specifics depend on various factors, including their student status, existing benefit claims, income, and family situation. It is always advisable to seek personalised advice and utilise resources like benefits calculators to understand one's unique eligibility for housing benefits.
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Frequently asked questions
Most full-time university students are not entitled to Housing Benefit. However, students in temporary accommodation, certain supported accommodation, or those who have reached State Pension Age may be eligible.
If you're an international student, you will probably not be able to claim Housing Benefit, even if you fall under one of the eligible groups.
If you already receive Housing Benefit, you may be able to continue receiving it while studying.
