Lori Meadows
Full-time university students may be eligible for housing benefits, but it depends on various factors. Students who already receive Housing Benefit may continue to do so while studying, provided they meet certain conditions, such as receiving Income Support or specific allowances. New claims for Housing Benefit from full-time students are typically considered only for those in temporary accommodation, certain supported accommodation, or those who have reached the State Pension Age. Additionally, students from outside Europe may not be eligible for Housing Benefit, and their immigration status may be a determining factor. Students can also explore other options like Universal Credit, which is available to those with low incomes or part-time students available for work.
Can a full-time university student claim housing benefit?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full-time students claiming Housing Benefit | Most full-time students cannot claim Housing Benefit. |
| Students who can claim Housing Benefit | Students in temporary accommodation, certain supported accommodation, and those who have reached State Pension Age. |
| Students who can continue to claim Housing Benefit | Students who already receive Housing Benefit and meet certain conditions, such as receiving Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, or income-related Employment and Support Allowance. |
| Students eligible for Universal Credit | Students studying full-time non-advanced education, not receiving a student loan or maintenance grant, and available for work. |
| Student income consideration | Student income, such as loans and grants, is considered when determining Universal Credit amounts. |
| International students | International students, especially those from outside Europe, may not be eligible for Housing Benefit and may need to provide immigration status information. |
| NHS-funded students | Students funded by the NHS may claim Housing Benefit, with NHS bursaries treated as income. |
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What You'll Learn
Who is eligible for housing benefit?
Most full-time students are not entitled to Housing Benefit. However, new claims can be considered from students in temporary accommodation (under Homelessness Prevention legislation), certain supported accommodations, and those who have reached State Pension age. Students in these groups are eligible for Housing Support if they are:
- Receiving Income Support, Job Seeker's Allowance (Income-Based), Employment and Support Allowance (Income-Related)
- Under 21 in further education (not higher education), as long as they were enrolled/accepted before the age of 19
- Under 20 and for whom Child Benefit is still payable
- Incapable of work (as decided by the Department for Work and Pensions) and have been for at least 28 weeks
- In receipt of a Disabled Student Grant, which includes an allowance for deafness
If you are a student from outside Europe, you will probably not be able to claim Housing Benefit, even if you are in one of the groups mentioned above. Students from Europe can only claim Housing Benefit if they fall into one of the above categories. Students funded by the National Health Service (NHS) may claim Housing Benefit under the same rules that apply to other students.
If you already have a claim for Housing Benefit, you may be able to continue receiving it while studying. Otherwise, any help with housing costs will be paid through Universal Credit, for which you will have to satisfy the eligibility tests. You may be able to get Universal Credit if you are studying full-time and are:
- Aged 21 or under, in full-time non-advanced education, and do not have parental support
- Aged 21 or over, have reached the qualifying age for Pension Credit, and live with a partner who is under that age
- Assessed as having a limited capability for work before starting your course, and are getting Universal Credit
- Studying in full-time non-advanced education, do not get a student loan or maintenance grant, and are available for work
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What if I'm already claiming housing benefit?
If you are already claiming Housing Benefit and start a full-time university course, your benefit payments may be affected. The impact on your payments will depend on your specific circumstances, such as your age, income, and whether you have dependants.
If you are under 21 and not in higher education, you may be able to continue receiving Housing Benefit while studying full-time at university. This is provided you were enrolled in your course before the age of 19 and are receiving relevant benefits such as Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, or income-related Employment and Support Allowance.
If you are over 66 and receiving student support in the form of a grant or loan, this may reduce the amount of Housing Benefit you receive. 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.
If you are a full-time student with a partner who is not a student and you have a low income, you may be able to claim Universal Credit. Any grants and loans will be treated as income, and student loans are considered even if you choose to borrow less than the available amount. If you are an international student, you will likely not be able to claim Housing Benefit, but you may be able to claim Universal Credit.
It is important to note that the rules regarding student claims for Housing Benefit are complex, and it is always advisable to seek official guidance regarding your specific situation.
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What if I'm a lone parent?
Generally, full-time students cannot claim Housing Benefit. However, there are exceptions for lone parents or couples with children, where one or both partners are students. If you are a full-time student who is already claiming Housing Benefit, you may be able to continue receiving it while you study if you meet certain conditions. These include receiving Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, or income-related Employment and Support Allowance. Additionally, if you are under 21 and not in higher education, or if you are a lone parent with a child formally placed with you by a local authority or voluntary agency, you may be eligible for Housing Benefit.
If you are a lone parent who is a full-time student, you may be able to claim Universal Credit, a monthly payment to help with living costs. While you usually cannot get Universal Credit if you are studying full-time, there are exceptions. You may be eligible if you are aged 21 or under and in full-time non-advanced education without parental support. Additionally, if you are a lone parent, you may be eligible for the Special Support Grant or Loan, depending on where you live. Your student income, such as loans and grants, can affect how much Universal Credit you receive.
It is important to note that your personal circumstances, income, and savings will impact your eligibility for benefits. If you are a university student, you can seek advice from a student adviser to determine what benefits you may qualify for. They will be able to provide guidance based on your specific situation.
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What if I'm a foreign student?
Most full-time students cannot claim Housing Benefit. This is because the government expects them to use other sources of income, such as grants, student loans, or access funds, to pay their rent. However, there are some exceptions. For example, students who are receiving Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, or income-related Employment and Support Allowance may be eligible for Housing Benefit. Similarly, students who are incapable of work (as decided by the Department for Work and Pensions) and have been for at least 28 weeks, or those receiving a Disabled Student Grant that includes an allowance for deafness, may also be eligible. Students who are single parents or part of a couple where both partners are students and are responsible for a child or young person may also be able to claim Housing Benefit. Additionally, students under 21 in further education (not higher education) who enrolled before the age of 19, or students under 20 for whom Child Benefit is still payable, may be eligible. Students funded by the National Health Service (NHS) may also claim Housing Benefit under the same rules that apply to other students.
If you are an international student, your eligibility for Housing Benefit may depend on your immigration status and the conditions under which you entered the country. Students from outside Europe will likely not be able to claim Housing Benefit, even if they fall into one of the eligible groups mentioned above. To process a Housing Benefit claim for international students, information about their immigration status is usually required. It is important to note that student loans and grants are typically treated as income when calculating benefit entitlement, and any other sources of income will be considered in the assessment.
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What if I'm homeless?
Most full-time university students are not entitled to Housing Benefit. However, if you are homeless or at risk of homelessness, you may be able to claim Housing Benefit as a full-time student under Homelessness Prevention legislation. You will need to be in temporary accommodation and meet other eligibility criteria, such as receiving Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, or income-related Employment and Support Allowance.
If you are a student parent or foster parent with a low income, you may be able to claim Universal Credit (UC). You can also claim UC if you share custody of a child and the child normally lives with you. Additionally, you can claim UC as a full-time student if you have limited capability for work and receive certain benefits, such as the Disability Premium or Severe Disability Premium.
International students studying in the UK and students from outside Europe are generally not eligible for Housing Benefit. However, European students may be able to claim Housing Benefit if they fall into one of the eligible categories. Students funded by the National Health Service (NHS) may also claim Housing Benefit, but any NHS bursary will be treated as income.
It is important to note that the eligibility criteria for Housing Benefit and Universal Credit can be complex, and your specific circumstances will determine whether you can claim these benefits. If you are unsure about your eligibility, it is recommended to seek advice from your local Citizen's Advice or a relevant government website.
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Frequently asked questions
Most full-time university students cannot claim Housing Benefit. This is because the government expects them to use other sources of funding, such as grants, student loans, or access funds, to pay towards their rent.
Students who are receiving Income Support, Job Seeker's Allowance (Income Based), or Employment and Support Allowance (Income Related) may be eligible for Housing Benefit. Students who are lone parents or part of a couple where both partners are students and are responsible for a child may also be eligible.
Students can apply for Universal Credit, a monthly payment to help with living costs. Students may be eligible if they are studying full-time non-advanced education, do not receive a student loan or maintenance grant, and are available for work. Students can also apply for non-repayable government grants to help with accommodation and other living costs.
Student loans are treated as income and are taken into account when calculating benefit payments.
