Douglas Olsen
University students may be able to claim benefits, depending on their circumstances. Full-time students are generally excluded from claiming means-tested benefits, but there are exceptions. For example, if you are a full-time student with a partner who is not a student, they may be able to claim benefits for both of you. Part-time students can apply for income-related benefits if they are on a low income and meet certain conditions. Students who have suspended their studies due to illness or caring responsibilities may also be able to claim benefits. Additionally, students with disabilities may be eligible for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). Finally, students from low-income backgrounds may be eligible for non-repayable government grants to help with living costs.
Can university students claim any benefits?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full-time students claiming Universal Credit | Not usually eligible, but exceptions include: aged 21 or under, in full-time non-advanced education, and without parental support; reached qualifying age for Pension Credit and living with a partner who is under that age; received a Migration Notice; or disabled with limited capability for work |
| Part-time students claiming Universal Credit | May be eligible if available for work and studying more than 12 hours a week of non-advanced education; eligibility starts from 1 September following 19th birthday |
| Student income considered in Universal Credit calculation | Includes loans for maintenance (e.g., living costs, rent) and maximum student maintenance loan; excludes loans for tuition fees and other study costs |
| Full-time students claiming income-related benefits | Generally excluded, but exceptions include: having a disability and qualifying for disability-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA); having a non-student partner eligible for income-related benefits who can claim on behalf of both partners |
| Part-time students claiming income-related benefits | May be eligible if on a low income and meeting certain conditions |
| Students with existing benefits entering higher education | Consult local Jobs and Benefits office to understand impact on benefits |
| Students with illness or caring responsibilities | May be eligible for Universal Credit during time out from studies |
| Non-UK students | Seek advice before claiming social security benefits to avoid breaching immigration conditions |
| Students who have completed their course | Can claim benefits by meeting normal benefit eligibility rules; amount depends on income and/or partner's income |
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What You'll Learn
Part-time students may be eligible for Universal Credit
Secondly, your eligibility is determined by your age and the type of education. If you are under 20 years old and enrolled in non-advanced education for more than 12 hours per week, you are not eligible for Universal Credit. Non-advanced education refers to any course up to A Level or its equivalent. However, if you are 21 or older, you may be eligible for Universal Credit while studying full-time in non-advanced education.
Thirdly, your income and student finances will impact your eligibility for Universal Credit. If you are on a low income or need help with living costs, you may qualify for Universal Credit. Your student income, including maintenance loans for living costs and rent, is considered when calculating your Universal Credit amount. However, loans for tuition fees and other study costs are excluded from this calculation. It is important to note that if you are receiving a student loan or grant, your eligibility for Universal Credit may be affected.
Finally, as a part-time student, your eligibility for Universal Credit may also depend on your specific circumstances and the requirements set by your local authority. It is recommended to contact your local Jobs and Benefits office or the Universal Credit Service Centre to understand your eligibility comprehensively. They can provide guidance on how your studies may impact any benefits you are already receiving or intend to claim.
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Full-time students can get non-repayable government grants
In the UK, full-time students are usually ineligible for Universal Credit as a means of support. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Full-time students can receive Universal Credit if they are aged 21 or under, in full-time non-advanced education, and do not have parental support. Students who have reached the qualifying age for Pension Credit and live with a partner who has not yet reached this age may also receive Universal Credit. Additionally, students who have received a Migration Notice and those with a disability assessed before starting their course are eligible. Any student loans or grants received are considered when calculating the amount of Universal Credit provided.
Full-time students in higher education may be eligible for non-repayable government grants to assist with accommodation and living expenses. These grants are available to students in financial need, with the amount calculated on an individual basis. Grants can also aid with childcare, tuition fees, and examination fees. Students with disabilities may need to provide additional documentation to access these grants.
In Canada, full-time students can apply for the Canada Student Grant, which offers financial support of up to $4,200 per year or $525 per month of study until the end of the 2025-2026 school year. This grant is available to students in financial need and is calculated based on their province or territory. Students in Nova Scotia can apply for assistance from the provincial and federal governments, receiving an average of $12,000-$13,000 in loans and grants. These grants have a maximum value of $20 per week of study and do not need to be repaid, making them a valuable source of support for full-time students.
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Students with disabilities may qualify for Employment and Support Allowance
University students can claim a variety of benefits, depending on their circumstances. These include Universal Credit, student loans, grants, and the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA).
Full-time students can claim ESA if they have been assessed as having a limited capability for work before starting their course. They must also be receiving certain other benefits, such as Personal Independence Payment or Attendance Allowance.
Part-time students can claim ESA if they meet the general eligibility criteria and are on a low income. They must also be available for work and meet the work-related requirements.
Students with disabilities may also qualify for other benefits, such as the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). DSA is available to students with disabilities or long-term health conditions that affect their ability to study. This can include specific learning difficulties, mental health conditions, physical disabilities, sensory disabilities, or long-term health conditions. The support provided by DSA can include funding for specialist equipment, non-medical helpers, travel, or other disability-related study costs.
In addition to these benefits, students with disabilities may also be eligible for supplemental grants, such as Academic Achievement Incentive Scholarships, to ensure they do not have to take out more student loans than their non-disabled peers. They may also be able to defer loan repayments due to their disability.
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Students with children may be eligible for Universal Credit
If you are a student with children, you can claim Universal Credit if you are in full-time advanced education, such as university, for the duration of your course. If you are the main carer of your children, what is expected of you in return for getting Universal Credit depends on the age of your youngest child. If you are not the main carer and are not working full-time, you are usually expected to look for full-time work.
If you are a lone parent, you will automatically be the main carer. You may get an extra amount for more than two children, and this will include the extra amount for your children until the end of August following each child's 16th birthday or the end of August after their 19th birthday if they are still living at home and in eligible education or training.
The amount of Universal Credit you receive is based on your earnings, not the number of hours you work. It is paid as a single monthly payment and is based on your circumstances during that month. Your student income, such as loans and grants, can affect how much Universal Credit you get. Loans for tuition fees and other study costs are excluded.
If you are a full-time student, you may be able to get a non-repayable grant from the government to help with accommodation and other living costs. There are also other types of grants that can help with childcare, tuition fees, or examination fees.
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Students can claim benefits after their course ends
Generally, full-time students are not eligible to claim state benefits during their course. However, there are exceptions for students who meet certain criteria. For example, students who have suspended their studies due to illness or caring responsibilities can claim benefits from the date of their recovery or when their responsibilities end until they resume their studies or for a maximum of 12 months, whichever is shorter.
Students who are already claiming income-related benefits before starting a course should ask their local Jobs and Benefits office about how their benefits will be affected. Part-time students can apply for income-related benefits if they are on a low income and meet certain conditions.
Once a course has officially ended, students are no longer registered as such and can claim benefits as long as they meet the usual eligibility rules. The amount of benefit paid depends on the claimant's income and that of their partner, if applicable. If a student claims benefits, they must inform the relevant benefit office/DWP department and provide evidence of their student income as these are considered changes in circumstances that may affect benefit entitlement.
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Frequently asked questions
Most full-time students are not eligible to claim state benefits during their course. However, there are exceptions, including:
- Students who are ill or have caring responsibilities can claim benefits from the date of their recovery or when their caring responsibilities end.
- Students who are disabled and qualify for the disability premium or severe disability premium of income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
- Students who are under 21, taking a course leading to a qualification at or below A-level, and do not live with their parents.
- Students who are single parents, as they have no work-related requirements.
Part-time students can apply for income-related benefits if they are on a low income and meet certain conditions. They may also be able to get Universal Credit, depending on their work availability.
You can claim benefits when you have completed your course and it has officially ended, as you are then no longer registered as a student. Your eligibility will depend on meeting the normal benefit rules, and the amount paid will depend on your income and/or your partner's income.
Student loans and grants are considered income and can affect the amount of Universal Credit you receive. However, loans for tuition fees and other study costs are excluded.
