University Students: What Benefits Can You Claim?

University students may be able to claim benefits to help with their living costs, depending on their circumstances. Full-time students can get a non-repayable grant from the government to help with accommodation and living costs, and there are also grants to help with childcare, tuition fees, or examination fees. Students can also apply for maintenance loans, which are usually paid directly into their bank accounts at the start of each term. These maintenance loans are considered income and are taken into account when calculating benefit entitlements, such as Universal Credit. Students with disabilities may also qualify for disability-related benefits, such as the disability premium or severe disability premium of income-related Employment and Support Allowance. Part-time students on low incomes may also be eligible for income-related benefits if they meet certain conditions.

Part-time students can claim income-related benefits if they meet certain conditions

Part-time students can claim income-related benefits, but only if they meet certain conditions. Firstly, they must be on a low income. Secondly, they must meet the work-related requirements.

Part-time students can also claim Jobseeker's Allowance if they are out of work or working less than 16 hours a week on average. They must also be aged 18 or over.

If a part-time student is already claiming income-related benefits and wants to start a higher education course, they should ask their local Jobs and Benefits office how this will affect their benefits.

If a part-time student is already at university or college, a student adviser will be able to help them work out if they qualify for any benefits.

Additionally, part-time students may be eligible for Universal Credit, a monthly payment to help with living costs for people on low incomes or out of work. However, student income, such as maintenance loans and grants, can affect how much Universal Credit one receives. Loans for tuition fees and other study costs are excluded.

There are also other types of grants and support that can help with things like accommodation, childcare, tuition fees, and examination fees.

Full-time students with a non-student partner can claim Universal Credit

If you are a full-time student with a non-student partner, you may also be eligible for other benefits and support. For example, 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. You can also apply for a non-repayable government grant to help with accommodation and other living costs. If you are already claiming income-related benefits and want to start a higher education course, you should ask your local Jobs and Benefits office how this will affect your benefits.

If you are a full-time student with a non-student partner, your partner may be able to claim Universal Credit on behalf of you both if they are eligible for any income-related benefits. Your partner's income and your student income, such as loans and grants, can affect how much Universal Credit you get. Loans for maintenance, such as living costs and rent, are regarded as income and are taken into account when calculating your Universal Credit. However, loans for tuition fees and other study costs are excluded.

If you are a full-time student with a non-student partner, you may also be eligible for other benefits such as Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) if you have an illness or disability that affects your ability to work. You can also apply for disability-related benefits if you have a disability and qualify for the disability premium or severe disability premium of income-related Employment and Support Allowance.

Students with a disability may qualify for Employment and Support Allowance

Students with disabilities may qualify for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). ESA is a benefit for people with an illness or disability that affects their ability to work. If you already claim ESA, you may be able to continue claiming it as a student.

If you are a student with a disability, you may also qualify for other disability-related benefits, such as the NHS Learning Support Fund, NHS bursaries, or a grant to cover travel expenses. These benefits are available to students studying specific courses, such as medical, dentistry, or social work.

In addition to these benefits, students with disabilities may also be eligible for Universal Credit, depending on their income and other circumstances. Universal Credit is a monthly payment to help with living costs for people on low incomes or out of work. While full-time students are usually not eligible for Universal Credit, there are exceptions, such as for students with disabilities who have been assessed as having limited capability for work.

It is important to note that the eligibility criteria and benefits available may vary depending on your location and specific circumstances. To determine your eligibility for benefits, you can contact your local Jobs and Benefits office, the Universal Credit Service Centre, or a student adviser at your university or college.

Students with children can claim Universal Credit during the summer holidays

If you are a full-time student with children, you may also be able to claim Jobseeker's Allowance during the summer holidays if you have a partner who is also a full-time student, and one or both of you is responsible for a child or young person. You will also need to be available for and actively seeking work. If you are a lone parent, you may be eligible for a Special Support Loan or Grant, which will not be taken off your Universal Credit.

If you are already claiming income-related benefits and want to start a higher education course, you should ask your local Jobs and Benefits office how this will affect your benefits. If you are already at university or college, a student adviser will be able to help you work out if you qualify for any benefits.

It is important to note that your student income, such as loans and grants, can affect how much Universal Credit you receive. Loans for maintenance, such as living costs and rent, are regarded as income and are taken into account when calculating your Universal Credit. However, if the assessment period covers the first day of the summer holidays, no student income will be deducted from your Universal Credit.

Students can get non-repayable government grants to help with living costs

The amount of grant money a student can receive depends on their household income and course of study. For example, students on a medical or dentistry course can apply for a grant to cover some travel expenses. Similarly, students with disabilities may be eligible for the disability premium or severe disability premium of income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). Additionally, if a student is a lone parent or has certain disabilities, they may be eligible for a Special Support Grant or Loan to help with the costs of study, such as books, equipment, and travel.

Students can also apply for other types of financial aid, such as maintenance loans or grants, which are taken into account when calculating Universal Credit. Universal Credit is a monthly payment for people on low incomes or out of work, and in some cases, full-time students can claim it. However, student income, such as maintenance loans for living costs and rent, is considered when calculating Universal Credit entitlement.

It is important to note that the eligibility criteria and application processes for these grants and benefits may vary depending on the student's location and specific circumstances. Students can seek guidance from their university's student adviser or their local Jobs and Benefits office to determine their eligibility and understand the application process.

Frequently asked questions