Lana Oconnell
University students may be able to claim benefits during the summer holidays, depending on their circumstances. Full-time students are usually not eligible for benefits like Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) or Universal Credit, as their student loan is expected to cover living expenses during this period. However, there are exceptions where full-time students may be able to claim benefits, such as having dependents, a disability, or being a lone parent. Part-time students may have more options for claiming benefits, but they still need to meet certain requirements, such as working less than a specified number of hours per week. Understanding the specific criteria and eligibility requirements is essential for students seeking benefits during the summer holidays.
Can university students claim benefits during summer holidays?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Jobseeker's Allowance | Full-time students can't usually get Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) until their course has officially finished. However, there are some exceptions, such as having children or being responsible for a child with a partner who is also a full-time student. |
| Universal Credit | Full-time students are usually ineligible for Universal Credit. However, there are exceptions, such as being aged 21 or under, having a disability, or being in full-time non-advanced education without parental support or a student loan/grant. |
| Special Support Loan or Grant | Students may be eligible for a Special Support Loan or Grant if they are lone parents or have certain disabilities. This does not affect their Universal Credit claim. |
| Part-time students | Part-time students may be able to claim Jobseeker's Allowance if they are out of work or working less than 16 hours a week, below retirement age, and willing to attend job interviews. |
| Other benefits | In some cases, students may have claimed other benefits during summer holidays in the past, such as income support, unemployment benefit, or rent rebates. However, this may no longer be applicable due to changing regulations. |
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What You'll Learn
Jobseeker's Allowance criteria for full-time students
In the UK, Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) is an unemployment benefit for people who are out of work and actively looking for a job. It is means-tested, so your income must be below a certain amount to qualify. To receive JSA, you must be aged 18 or over and under 66, and be either fully unemployed or working three days a week or fewer. You must also be available for full-time work and be able to prove that you are genuinely seeking it.
If you are a full-time third-level student, you cannot claim JSA during term-time or outside of it, such as during the summer holidays. An exception is made for mature students. However, once you have finished college permanently, you can claim JSA if you are unable to find work.
There are three types of JSA claims: contribution-based JSA, income-based JSA, and New Style JSA. The kind of JSA you receive depends on your age, income, savings, and circumstances. A contribution-based JSA is available only if you have a severe disability premium, have worked as an employee and paid Class 1 National Insurance in the last three years, and meet other requirements. Income-based JSA is very similar, and in both cases, you need to have a severe disability allowance.
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Universal Credit eligibility for students
Universal Credit is a benefit that replaces six other benefits with a single monthly payment if you're out of work or on a low income. The eligibility criteria for students to claim Universal Credit are as follows:
Full-time students
Full-time students can claim Universal Credit if they meet the following criteria:
- They are under 21 and taking a course leading to a qualification at or below A-level (such as Scottish Highers or NVQ Level 3). They must also be unable to live with their parents.
- They receive Attendance Allowance, Pension Age Disability Payment, Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Adult Disability Payment, or Child Disability Payment and have limited capability for work.
- They have taken time off from their course due to illness or caring responsibilities and are waiting to return to their course.
- They are a single parent to a child under one, like in the case of Alec, who is doing a full-time degree-level course and couldn't qualify for a maintenance loan.
- They are studying in full-time non-advanced education, do not receive a student loan or maintenance grant, and are available for work.
Part-time students
Part-time students can claim Universal Credit if they meet the general eligibility criteria and are not receiving a student loan or maintenance grant.
Students with disabilities
Since December 2021, students with disabilities must have been assessed as having limited capability for work before starting their course to qualify for Universal Credit.
Students with income and loans
Loans for maintenance, such as living costs and rent, are considered income and are taken into account when calculating Universal Credit. Loans for tuition fees and other study costs are excluded. If a student receives a reduced loan because someone contributes to their living costs or they receive a grant, this will also be taken into account.
Students with grants
If a student receives Universal Credit and is eligible for a student loan, specific student grants will be included in the calculation, such as the maintenance of a dependent adult. However, if the Universal Credit award does not include an amount for this dependent adult, the grant will not be included in the calculation.
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Special Support Loans and Grants
University students may be able to claim benefits during the summer holidays, depending on their circumstances. While there isn't specific information on benefits during summer holidays, students can apply for special support loans and grants to help with living expenses.
Students facing financial difficulties during the summer holidays can explore special support loans and grants offered by their educational institutions or external organisations. These financial aids are designed to provide temporary relief and help students cover essential expenses. Here are some options to consider:
- University Grants and Scholarships: Many universities offer grants and scholarships specifically for summer terms. These opportunities can provide additional funding to help students complete their degrees. It's worth checking with your university's financial aid office to learn about any available grants or scholarships for the summer.
- Emergency Loans: If you encounter an unexpected financial crisis, such as difficulty paying rent, an emergency loan may be an option. These are short-term, interest-free loans that must typically be repaid within 90 days. They can serve as a temporary solution until your regular financial aid disbursement.
- Internship Grants: Some organisations offer competitive grants for students seeking internships during the summer. These grants aim to help cover basic living expenses associated with internships. Students are usually responsible for finding their own internships and managing expenses beyond the grant amount.
- Specialised Grants: Depending on your field of study, you may be eligible for specialised grants or bursaries. For instance, students pursuing medical, dentistry, nursing, midwifery, or social work may qualify for NHS Learning Support Funds, NHS bursaries, or social work bursaries. These grants can help cover tuition fees, living expenses, or travel expenses.
- Charitable Trust Funding: You can explore funding opportunities provided by charitable trusts. Websites like Turn2us offer grant search tools to help you find funding that aligns with your specific situation. These grants can provide additional financial support during the summer holidays.
It is important to note that eligibility criteria and application processes may vary for each type of loan or grant. Students are advised to carefully review the requirements and submit any necessary documentation to increase their chances of receiving financial assistance. Additionally, staying proactive and seeking out these opportunities early can help ensure you have the necessary financial support during the summer holidays.
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Income support and unemployment benefit
University students may be able to claim Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) during the summer holidays if they meet certain criteria. Full-time students with dependents or a disability, for instance, may be eligible for JSA. Additionally, students with children or those who are responsible for a child or young person while their partner studies full-time may also qualify.
Students on a sandwich course can claim unemployment benefits after completing a year in the industry. Students with disabilities or those who are lone parents may be eligible for a Special Support Loan or Grant, which is not deducted from their Universal Credit.
Students under 21 engaged in full-time non-advanced education and without parental support may also be eligible for Universal Credit. Similarly, students with disabilities assessed as having limited work capability before starting their course may receive Universal Credit.
It is important to note that the availability of benefits may vary based on geographical location and specific government policies. Students seeking benefits during the summer holidays should refer to their local government's guidelines for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Part-time students and Jobseeker's Allowance
Whether or not a part-time student can claim Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) depends on their age, the level of the course, and their circumstances.
If you are already claiming JSA and start studying part-time, you may be able to continue receiving it. However, you must show that you are available for full-time work around your study hours. You will be expected to give up your course if suitable full-time work becomes available, unless otherwise agreed. If you receive student grants or loans, these may reduce the amount of JSA you can claim.
If you are a part-time student living with a partner who is not a student, and either of you is claiming legacy benefits for both of you, it may be possible for the benefits to continue. If you claim Universal Credit, your partner may receive a reduced amount if your course means you cannot fulfil work-related requirements.
There are three types of JSA claim: contribution-based JSA, income-based JSA, and New Style JSA. The type of JSA you receive depends on your age, income, savings, and circumstances. Contribution-based JSA is available to those with a severe disability premium who have worked as an employee and paid Class 1 National Insurance in the last three years. Income-based JSA is similar, but in both cases, you need to have a severe disability allowance.
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Frequently asked questions
Full-time students are generally not eligible for Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) until their course has officially ended. However, there are exceptions. Students with children or a disability, or those who are responsible for a child or young person, may be eligible.
Students may be able to claim Universal Credit during the summer holidays if they are on a low income or out of work. However, full-time students are usually not eligible. Students under 21 in further education may be eligible.
Students may be able to receive a Special Support Loan or Grant, which helps with study costs such as books, equipment, and travel. Students with dependents or disabilities may be more likely to qualify.
Yes, student loans and grants are intended to cover living expenses during the summer holidays as well as the academic term.
University students may consider seeking part-time or temporary work during the summer holidays to supplement their income.
