Child Benefits For University Students: What You Need To Know

If you have a child who is a full-time student, you may be able to claim Child Benefit, but only if they are older than 16 years of age and studying for an average of 12 hours per week. This includes apprenticeships, further education, and higher education. However, if your child is studying for a university degree, you will not be able to claim Child Benefit as they are no longer considered dependent on you. Additionally, full-time students may struggle to claim income-based benefits on their own. There are other benefits and grants that your child may be able to claim as a student, such as the Childcare Grant, Parents' Learning Allowance, and Support Funds.

Child Benefit for parents of university students

Overview

Once your child starts attending university, you will no longer be able to claim Child Benefit as they are no longer considered to be dependent on you. This is a significant change in circumstance that you must report to the Child Benefit Office to avoid overpayment and potential fraud charges.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule, and parents of university students may still be eligible for Child Benefit in certain cases. Additionally, university students may be able to claim certain benefits on their own, which can provide financial support during their studies.

Parents can continue to claim Child Benefit for their child who is attending university if the child meets the following criteria:

• Aged between 16 and 19 years, and enrolled in a full-time non-advanced course, or
• Aged 16 or 17 years and registered for further education, work, or training with a local authority support service, careers service, or similar organisation.

It is important to note that university education is not classified as full-time non-advanced education, and students enrolled in degree-based courses will not qualify for Child Benefit for their parents.

Benefits available to university students

University students can claim certain benefits on their own, which may provide financial support during their studies. These include:

• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Universal Credit (for those over 16 years old)
• Jobseeker's Allowance (for 17-year-olds who do not live at home)
• Income Support (for 16 or 17-year-olds who are expecting or have a child)

Additionally, university students may be eligible for additional financial support through their university or college, such as grants, scholarships, and bursaries.

Other financial support for parents of university students

While parents of university students may not be eligible for Child Benefit, they can explore other financial support options to help with the cost of their child's education. These include:

• Student loans or grants: Charitable grants, in particular, do not need to be paid back.
• Childcare grants: These can help with childcare costs during term time and holidays.
• Parents' Learning Allowance: This can assist with course-related costs such as books, materials, and travel.
• Adult Dependants' Grant: This is available for students who are financially responsible for another adult.
• Support Funds: These are available for students on lower incomes who encounter financial difficulties, with priority given to students with children, especially lone parents.

While Child Benefit is not available for parents of university students in most cases, there are still several financial support options available to help with the cost of university education. These include benefits that can be claimed by the student, as well as grants, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid. It is important for parents and students to explore all available options and stay informed about their eligibility for different types of support.

Student grants and loans

If you are a full-time student who is over 66 and you have a low income, you may be able to get Pension Credit.

Maintenance Grant

Full-time students from Northern Ireland and Wales can apply for a Maintenance Grant to help with living costs. This grant does not need to be paid back. The amount of the grant depends on your household income. The higher your household income, the less grant you will get.

Special Support Grant

If you are on housing or income support, are a single parent, or have a disability, you may be able to swap the Maintenance Grant for a Special Support Grant. The grant amount is the same as the Maintenance Grant, but it won't reduce the amount of loan you can apply for.

SAAS Bursary

In Scotland, maintenance money that doesn't have to be paid back comes in the form of the SAAS Bursary. The amount you can get depends on your household income, as well as whether you're a 'Young student' or an 'Independent student'.

Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)

If you have a disability, the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) can help with the extra costs of going to university. Funding doesn't have to be repaid and isn't means-tested.

Dependants' and Childcare Grants

If you're financially responsible for others, you may be entitled to extra help. The amount of funding you can get depends on your circumstances and where you're from in the UK.

Student Bursaries and Scholarships

Student bursaries and scholarships are cash with criteria. You may be able to get funding to cover your fees or living costs, but you will have to meet certain eligibility criteria.

Hardship Funds

Hardship funds are emergency cash from your university that you can apply for if you're in a bit of trouble.

Benefits for students with children

If you are a full-time student and a parent, you may be able to claim benefits and receive additional financial support. This support can help with childcare costs and course-related costs.

Child Benefit

If you are responsible for a child, you can still claim Child Benefit as a full-time student. Child Benefit continues if your child stays in approved education or training, but you must inform HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Child Benefit will stop on 31 August on or after your child's 16th birthday if they leave education or training.

Childcare Grant

The Childcare Grant helps full-time students with the cost of childcare during term time and holidays. You can apply if you:

• Are a full-time student
• Have dependent children under 15 in childcare that qualifies for the grant
• Have dependent children under 17 with special needs in childcare that qualifies for the grant

The amount you receive depends on your income, the income of your dependants, and the cost of your childcare. You won't be able to get the Childcare Grant if you or your partner are claiming the childcare element of Working Tax Credit or Universal Credit.

Parents' Learning Allowance

The Parents' Learning Allowance helps pay for course-related costs such as books, materials, and travel. It is available on top of any standard student finance and does not need to be paid back. The amount you receive depends on your household income, with the maximum allowance being £1,538 per year.

Adult Dependants' Grant

The Adult Dependants' Grant provides support for students who are financially responsible for another adult. Eligible students can receive up to £2,695 per year, depending on their income and that of their dependants.

Support Funds

Support Funds provide assistance to students on lower incomes who encounter financial difficulties. Universities and colleges decide how to distribute payments, but students with children, especially lone parents, are a priority for the fund.

Other Benefits

You may also be able to claim Child Tax Credit from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). The amount you receive will depend on your personal circumstances and income. Additionally, if you are a full-time student over 66 with a low income, you may be eligible for Pension Credit.

Benefits for students with disabilities

If you are a student with a long-term illness or disability, you may be able to claim benefits while studying. The benefits available to you will depend on various factors, including your age, the level of your course, how long you have been disabled, how your disability affects you, and what other income and benefits you have.

The main benefit for someone who is ill or disabled is now Universal Credit. Some people may still get income-related and/or contributory Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), together with Housing Benefit to help with rent. In addition, Adult Disability Payment (ADP), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) can be paid to help with the extra costs of disability.

If you are a full-time student ('receiving education') for Universal Credit, you are eligible if you have a decision that you have limited capability for work before your course starts, and you also get ADP, PIP, or DLA. Limited capability for work is assessed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

If you are a part-time student and can meet any work-related requirements, you are expected to do so while on your course, then you can claim or continue to get Universal Credit. If it is decided that you cannot meet your work-related requirements on your course, then you are treated as 'receiving education' for Universal Credit, and therefore the full-time student rules for Universal Credit apply.

Other Benefits

• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA): For people with 'limited capability for work', which is assessed at a medical known as the 'work capability assessment'. There are two types: contributory and income-related. Contributory ESA is for people who have paid National Insurance (NI) contributions, while income-related ESA is means-tested and for those on low incomes.
• Adult Disability Payment (ADP): A new disability benefit in Scotland, replacing other disability benefits for working-age adults (PIP and DLA for some people).
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP): Not means-tested, so it is not affected by other income.
• Disability Living Allowance (DLA): Not means-tested and can be paid in addition to other benefits.
• Housing Benefit: Helps with the cost of rent if you are on a low income. You can only make a new claim if you live in certain types of temporary or supported accommodation.
• Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA): Helps cover some of your extra disability-related study costs, such as non-medical helpers, specialist equipment, and travel costs.

Additional Support

Students with children may be able to claim additional benefits and grants, such as the Parents' Learning Allowance and Childcare Grant.

Benefits for students with low incomes

Students from low-income families face a unique set of challenges when it comes to pursuing higher education. The rising cost of college, coupled with the financial strain of day-to-day life, can make attending university seem out of reach for many. However, there are various benefits and resources available to support these students and ensure they have the opportunity to thrive in their academic pursuits.

Grants and Scholarships

One of the most significant barriers for low-income students is the cost of college itself. To address this, grants and scholarships are available to help defray the expense of tuition and other related fees.

Grants

Grants are a form of financial aid that does not need to be repaid. One example is the Pell Grant, which offers up to $5,775 to eligible students. Another is the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, which provides between $100 and $4,000 per year.

Scholarships

Scholarships are another vital source of funding for low-income students. These are often awarded based on financial need and can make a significant difference in a student's ability to afford higher education. Examples of scholarships for low-income students include:

• The Aimco Cares Opportunity Scholarship, for individuals living in federally assisted rental housing.
• The Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Support Award, for low-income women who are mothers.
• The Ray Snader Scholarship, for students whose parents are incarcerated or in custody.
• The Gates Millennium Scholars Program, for students of racial minorities with financial need.

Additional Benefits for Students with Children

Juggling the demands of parenthood while pursuing an education can be challenging, especially for low-income students. Fortunately, there are benefits available to help with the costs of childcare and other expenses.

Care to Learn

This is a government scheme that helps with childcare costs for students with children. It provides a weekly fixed amount, which can cover expenses such as registration fees, childcare taster sessions, and holiday childcare.

Childcare Grant

The Childcare Grant is a weekly grant to assist with childcare costs. The amount received depends on income, childcare needs, and the number of children. For the 2024/25 academic year, students can receive up to £193.62 per week for one child and up to £331.95 per week for two or more children.

Parents' Learning Allowance

The Parents' Learning Allowance provides payments to help with learning costs for students with children. The amount received depends on household income. For the 2023/24 academic year, eligible students could receive between £50 and £1,915.

Other Resources

In addition to financial assistance, low-income students can benefit from seeking out mentors among their professors, academic advisors, and dormitory staff. This can provide them with guidance and support as they navigate the challenges of higher education.

Furthermore, many colleges are adopting the "intrusive advising" model, which involves proactively offering strategies to students to address issues, rather than waiting for them to seek assistance. This can be particularly beneficial for low-income students who may be hesitant to ask for help.

While low-income students face unique challenges, there are numerous benefits and resources available to support them in their pursuit of higher education. By taking advantage of grants, scholarships, and other forms of assistance, these students can increase their chances of success and improve their long-term economic prospects.

Frequently asked questions