Most full-time students are not eligible for means-tested welfare benefits including Universal Credit.
Students with disabilities can continue to receive DLA/PIP or apply for PIP while studying.
Most full-time students are not eligible for means-tested welfare benefits including Universal Credit.
Universal Credit replaces six existing benefits: Jobseekers Allowance, Employment Support Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit, Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit.
- Students who may be entitled to Universal Credit include:
- Lone parents
- Students with a partner who is entitled to Universal Credit
- Students in receipt of DLA or PIP
- Some students who have had to take time out due to ill-health and are waiting to re-join at the start of the next academic year.
The normal income and capital assessments for benefits will apply.
Part-time students may be eligible for benefits whilst studying depending on the number of hours of study, income and capital levels. Postgraduate students are the most likely group to be registered on a part-time programme.
Undergraduate students who are re-taking or stretching their degree and those who are taking a Leave of Absence are still deemed to be full-time students for welfare benefit/Universal Credit purposes.
Getting advice
If you think you might be entitled to any welfare benefits or have a problem with your existing benefit entitlement, you can book an appointment with one of our advisers.
Book an appointment
If you have a question for a Students’ Union adviser, email it to advice@thesu.org.uk.