Douglas Olsen
University students can claim a variety of benefits, depending on their circumstances. These include Universal Credit, student loans and grants, Employment and Support Allowance, and other financial support. Part-time students may be able to claim income-related benefits if they meet certain conditions, such as being on a low income and actively seeking work. Full-time students may be able to claim benefits if they have suspended their studies due to ill health or caring responsibilities, or if they have a partner who is not a student and is eligible for income-related benefits. Students with disabilities may also qualify for disability-related benefits.
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What You'll Learn
Universal Credit
You may be able to claim Universal Credit if you are a full-time student and:
- You are aged 21 or under, in non-advanced education and do not have parental support.
- You have reached the qualifying age for Pension Credit and live with a partner who is under that age.
- You have received a Migration Notice telling you to move to Universal Credit.
- You are disabled and were assessed as having a limited capability for work before starting your course.
If you are a part-time student, you may be able to claim Universal Credit, provided you meet the work-related requirements.
If you are a student and receive Universal Credit, your student income, such as maintenance loans and grants, will be taken into account when calculating your Universal Credit. However, loans for tuition fees and other study costs are excluded. Additionally, if you receive a Special Support Loan or Grant, this will not be deducted from your Universal Credit payment.
If you suspend your studies due to ill health or caring responsibilities, you may be able to claim Universal Credit from the date of your recovery or the end of your responsibilities until you resume your studies or for a maximum of 12 months, whichever is shorter.
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Non-repayable government grants
Full-time higher education students may be able to get a non-repayable grant from the government to help with accommodation and other living costs. These grants are typically provided to students who can demonstrate financial need and can be used to cover various expenses associated with their studies.
There are also other types of non-repayable grants available to students who meet specific criteria. For example, students with disabilities or special needs may be eligible for grants to cover the additional costs of their education, such as specialised equipment or transportation. Students from low-income households or those facing financial difficulties may also qualify for grants to support their studies.
In addition to government grants, universities often offer their own grants and scholarships to students. These grants can be merit-based or need-based and can provide additional financial assistance for tuition, books, housing, or other educational expenses. Some universities may also offer grants for specific programmes, research projects, or extracurricular activities that enhance the student's educational experience.
It is important to note that the availability and eligibility requirements for non-repayable government grants can vary depending on the country and the specific funding body. Students should research the grants available in their respective countries and carefully review the eligibility criteria to determine which grants they may be eligible for. Additionally, students should be aware that some grants may have specific conditions or requirements, such as maintaining a certain academic standard or providing progress updates.
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Student finance counted as income
In the US, student loans are not considered taxable income by the IRS, but there are still some unique tax and credit implications to be aware of when it comes to financial aid loans. However, scholarships and grants may be partially taxable if used for anything other than tuition payments, books, and supplies. For example, if you receive a $15,000 scholarship and spend $12,000 on tuition but use the remaining $3,000 for room and board, you would owe taxes on that $3,000 difference. Similarly, if you receive payments for teaching or research as part of a scholarship or grant, that amount is also taxable.
On the other hand, if your student loan is forgiven or discharged, it may be tax-free at the federal level through 2025 under the American Recovery Act. This includes income-driven repayment plans and loan forgiveness or cancellation due to certain circumstances, such as permanent disability or the closure of your school. Additionally, federal work-study programs are considered taxable income, and you will need to report your wages on your tax returns.
In the UK, student finance, including loans and grants, can be considered income when determining your eligibility for benefits such as Universal Credit. Loans for maintenance, including living costs, rent, and bills, are typically regarded as income and can affect the amount of Universal Credit you receive. However, loans for tuition fees and other costs of study are usually excluded from this calculation.
It's important to note that the rules regarding student finance and benefits can vary between countries and individual circumstances. If you are a student in the UK, you can seek guidance from your local Jobs and Benefits office or your student adviser at your university or college to understand how your specific situation applies.
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Disability benefits
If you are a student with a disability, you may be able to claim certain benefits and receive additional financial support. Here is an overview of the benefits available for disabled students in the UK:
Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)
The DSA is a benefit available for students with disabilities or long-term illnesses that impact their ability to study. It provides financial support for study-related costs, such as specialist equipment or additional printing needs. The DSA can be claimed alongside other student finance and is not means-tested, so it does not depend on household income. The allowance is available for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, with an upper limit of £26,948 per year for support.
Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a benefit available to those on low incomes or out of work. While full-time students are usually not eligible, there are exceptions for students with disabilities. If you have been assessed as having limited capability for work before starting your course, you may be able to claim Universal Credit. This benefit can help with living costs and is typically paid monthly.
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
ESA is a benefit designed to support those with illnesses or disabilities that affect their ability to work. If you are already claiming ESA before starting your studies, you may be able to continue receiving this benefit as a student. ESA can be claimed alongside other benefits, such as housing benefit, to help with rent.
NHS Learning Support Fund and NHS Bursaries
Students studying in certain medical or healthcare fields may be eligible for additional financial support. The NHS Learning Support Fund is available for students pursuing nursing, midwifery, or allied health profession courses. NHS bursaries are also offered to those studying specific medical or dentistry courses. These benefits can help cover costs such as travel expenses.
Special Support Loan or Grant
If you have a disability, you may be eligible for a Special Support Loan or Grant, which can help with the costs of study, including books, equipment, and travel. This support is available in addition to other funding sources, such as university funding or social work bursaries.
It is important to note that the eligibility criteria and application processes may vary depending on your location within the UK. It is recommended to seek advice from a student adviser or your local Jobs and Benefits office to determine which benefits you may be entitled to as a student with a disability.
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Part-time work and benefits
Part-time students can apply for income-related benefits if they are on a low income and meet certain conditions. If you are studying part-time, you may be able to claim Universal Credit as long as you can meet the work-related requirements. 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.
You may be able to claim Jobseeker's Allowance if you are working less than 16 hours a week on average, are aged 18 or over, and are actively seeking work. If you are a lone parent or have certain disabilities, you may be eligible for a Special Support Loan or Grant to help with the costs of study, such as books, equipment, and travel.
If you are already claiming income-related benefits and want to start a part-time course, you should ask your local Jobs and Benefits office how this will affect your benefits. Your claim could be affected if your study affects your availability for work or your ability to attend specific job-seeking or other benefit-related activities.
If you are studying a pre-registration nursing, midwifery, or allied health profession course, you may qualify for the NHS Learning Support Fund. You may also be eligible for an NHS bursary if you are studying certain medical or dentistry courses, or a social work bursary if you are a social work student. Many universities and colleges offer extra help directly to students.
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Frequently asked questions
Universal Credit is a monthly payment to help with your living costs. You may be able to get it if you’re on a low income or out of work. You cannot usually get Universal Credit if you’re studying full-time, but there are some exceptions. For example, if you’re aged 21 or under, in full-time non-advanced education and do not have parental support.
Most full-time students cannot claim income-related benefits. However, if you have a partner who is not a student and they are eligible for any income-related benefits, your partner can claim on your behalf. You may also qualify for disability-related benefits.
If you are studying part-time, you may be able to get Universal Credit as long as you can meet the work-related requirements that apply to you. You can also apply for income-related benefits if you meet the conditions.
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 things like childcare, tuition fees or examination fees.
