Savanna Hoffman
University students often face financial challenges, especially when it comes to housing costs. While students typically receive grants or loans to support their education, these financial aids are usually considered income and may reduce their eligibility for housing benefits. However, there are certain circumstances where students can claim housing benefits. These include students under a certain age, those receiving specific allowances or grants, those who have interrupted their studies due to illness or caring responsibilities, and part-time students. The rules regarding student benefits are complex, and it's always recommended to seek advice from organizations like Shelter Cymru, Citizens Advice, or student unions for personalized guidance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Students eligible for Housing Benefit | Students under 22 and not in higher education |
| Students under 20 with someone claiming Child Benefit for them | |
| Students who have interrupted their course due to illness or caring responsibilities (with approval from the college or university) | |
| Part-time students | |
| Students under 21 in further education (not higher education), as long as they enrolled before the age of 19 | |
| Students under 20 with Child Benefit still payable | |
| Students incapable of work (as decided by the Department for Works and Pensions) for at least 28 weeks | |
| Students receiving a Disabled Students Grant, including an allowance for deafness | |
| Students unable to get a grant or student loan due to absence from studies (with consent) because of illness or care responsibilities | |
| Students funded by the NHS | |
| Students over 66 not receiving Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) | |
| Students receiving Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) |
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What You'll Learn
Students under 22 not in higher education
The rules regarding students and housing benefits are complex and vary depending on the country and the student's specific circumstances. Here is some general information regarding students under 22 who are not in higher education:
United States:
In the US, the eligibility of students for assisted housing is governed by Section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937. According to a final rule published by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in 2005, individuals who are enrolled in an institution of higher education, are under the age of 24, are not veterans, are unmarried, and do not have dependent children, are restricted from receiving Section 8 assistance if neither they nor their parents are income-eligible.
However, there are exceptions to these restrictions. For instance, if a student meets the United States Department of Education's definition of an independent student, they may be eligible for housing assistance. The Department of Education defines an independent student as someone who is orphaned, was in foster care or a ward of the court, is an emancipated minor, is homeless or at risk of homelessness, or meets other specific criteria.
Additionally, students under 22 who are not in higher education may be considered full-time students if they are enrolled full-time in an educational institution below the higher education level. This could include grade school or post-high school education. Their eligibility for housing assistance would depend on their specific circumstances, income, and the state they reside in.
United Kingdom:
In the UK, students under 22 who are not in higher education may be eligible for housing benefits depending on their specific circumstances. If they are receiving student support in the form of grants or loans, this will usually reduce the amount of Housing Benefit they can claim. Any grants and loans will typically be treated as income. However, it is important to note that the rules regarding students and benefits can be complex, and it is always best to seek advice from organisations like Shelter Cymru, Citizens Advice, or a student union.
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Students receiving Income Support
The rules regarding students and benefits can be complicated, and the situation differs depending on the country and the type of benefit being claimed.
In the UK, students who receive Income Support are entitled to their maximum Housing Benefit entitlement. This is also the case for students receiving income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). However, if a student is receiving a grant or loan, this usually reduces the amount of Housing Benefit they can claim. Grants and loans are treated as income, and any other sources of income will be treated in the usual way for Housing Benefit purposes. Students who receive an NHS bursary can claim Housing Benefit, but the bursary will be treated as income.
In Australia, students may be able to receive income support administered by Centrelink, which includes benefits such as Austudy, ABSTUDY, Youth Allowance, and Rent Assistance. The Tertiary Access Payment (TAP) is a one-off payment of up to $5,000 to assist students with the costs of relocating from regional or remote areas for higher education. Students in Australia can also apply for a Low-Income Health Care Card.
In the US, students may be eligible for SNAP benefits, but they must meet specific requirements, including resource and income limits. Students enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education are considered for SNAP eligibility. Those enrolled less than half-time are not subject to the student restrictions on SNAP eligibility, but they must still meet all other SNAP eligibility requirements.
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Students on a break from studies due to illness
Most full-time students are not eligible for Housing Benefit. However, students who are already claiming Housing Benefit may be able to continue claiming it while they study.
Students who are on a break from their studies due to illness or caring responsibilities may be able to claim Housing Benefit, but only if they do not receive student finance during that time. They may be able to claim for the period between their illness or caring responsibilities ending and when they return to university. This is while they are waiting to rejoin their course.
Students who are unable to get a grant or student loan following an absence from their studies due to illness may be eligible for Housing Benefit. Students who are receiving Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, or income-related Employment and Support Allowance will automatically receive their maximum entitlement to Housing Benefit. Students who are under 21 and in further education (not higher education) may also be eligible, as long as they enrolled before the age of 19.
Students from abroad will probably not be able to claim Housing Benefit, even if they are in one of the groups of students who can. Students funded by the National Health Service (NHS) may claim Housing Benefit under the same rules that apply to other students.
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Students funded by the NHS
Generally, full-time students cannot claim Housing Benefit, as the government expects them to use their grants, student loans, or access funds to pay their rent. However, students funded by the NHS may claim Housing Benefit, subject to the same rules as other students.
If you are an NHS-funded student, any grants and loans you receive will be treated as income. This includes any educational awards or grants, as well as student loans. If you are eligible for a student loan, even if you choose not to take it out or borrow a lesser amount, it will still be considered as income. There is a weekly income disregard of £10 applied to loan income.
If you receive an NHS bursary, it will also be treated as income, subject to any relevant amounts that can be disregarded. Additionally, if you receive a student loan on top of your NHS bursary, it will be counted in the same way as for other students. Postgraduate students who receive a postgraduate loan will have 30% of the total loan treated as income for benefit purposes.
It is important to note that if you are an international student studying in the UK, you may not be able to claim Housing Benefit, even if you meet the other criteria. Your eligibility may depend on your immigration status and the conditions under which you entered the country. For specific advice regarding your situation, it is recommended to seek guidance from organisations like Shelter Cymru, Citizens Advice, or your student union.
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International students
The rules regarding students and benefits are complex, and international students may find that their eligibility for benefits is further complicated by their student visa status.
If you are an international student who receives a grant or loan, this will typically be considered income, which can reduce the amount of Housing Benefit you may be entitled to. In some cases, if you also receive Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, or income-related Employment and Support Allowance, you may automatically receive your maximum entitlement to Housing Benefit.
Postgraduate international students with a postgraduate loan will generally have 30% of the total loan treated as income for benefit purposes. Additionally, if you are an international student funded by the National Health Service (NHS), you may claim Housing Benefit under the same rules that apply to other students.
While you may not be eligible for Housing Benefit as an international student, you can explore other options for financial support. For instance, you can apply for Universal Credit to help with housing costs if you meet the eligibility criteria.
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Frequently asked questions
The rules regarding students and benefits can be complicated and depend on a variety of factors. Students who are receiving Income Support, Job Seeker's Allowance, or Employment and Support Allowance may be eligible for housing benefits.
If you are a part-time student, you may be able to claim housing benefits.
If you are an international student, you will probably not be able to claim any housing benefits, even if you fall into one of the eligible groups.
Students who receive a Disabled Students Allowance for deafness may be eligible for housing benefits.
If you are a postgraduate student receiving a postgraduate loan, 30% of the total loan will be treated as income for benefit purposes.
