State benefits are provided by the UK government for people with little or no income. There are different benefits available depending on an individual’s circumstances. Some are assessed against household income, some against personal needs. For general information about benefits, visit gov.uk.
If you are in the UK on a student visa or have any other type of limited leave to remain in the UK, do not claim any social security benefits without getting advice, as you could breach your immigration conditions which could seriously affect your visa.
Benefits for full-time students
Generally, as a full-time undergraduate student, you're not eligible to claim state benefits during your course.
However, if you're in one of the following categories, you may be able to claim benefits while studying:
- some students with disabilities
- lone parents and single foster carers with a dependent child/children.
- student couples with at least one dependent child (during the summer vacation)
- non-student spouses and partners, subject to the normal rules
- students who are pensioners
- students who have suspended their studies due to ill health or caring responsibilities can claim from the date of recovery or the date your caring responsibilities end and until you resume your studies, or a maximum of 12 months – whichever is shorter
Please note, in all cases you must meet the usual benefit eligibility rules.
If any of these apply to you, please contact Student Advice for further information.
If you are an undergraduate student eligible to claim benefits while you study and entitled to the Student Finance England (SFE) Maintenance Loan, Adult Dependents Grant (and Maintenance Grant if applicable) these all count as income and reduce or cancel out income-based benefits. This applies even if you choose not to receive these. The Loan is only ignored if you are not eligible to receive it and you can prove this to the relevant benefit department.
Postgraduate students who receive the SFE Postgraduate Loan
Please be aware that 30% of your Student Finance England Postgraduate Loan counts as income and will reduce or cancel out income-based benefits paid to you. Different types of bank or study loans can also reduce your benefits.
Benefits for part-time students
Part-time degree-level study does not exclude a person from claiming benefits. You must meet the usual benefit eligibility rules to qualify and be 'available for and actively seeking work'.
Your claim could be affected if your study affects your availability for work or availability to attend specific job seeking or other benefit-related activities.
The part-time tuition fee loan does not affect benefits, but SFE has introduced a Maintenance Loan for undergraduate courses that began in September 2018. This maintenance loan may reduce the amount of benefits that you receive. Contact Student Advice to discuss how your benefits may be affected. Students who began their course before September 2018 are not eligible for the new Maintenance Loan so should not be affected.
For further information about claiming benefits as a student, contact Student Advice.
If you suspend your studies because of ill health
If you suspend your studies because of ill health or caring responsibilities (for more than 28 weeks), you can make a claim for Universal Credit from the date you recover. This will last until you resume your studies or for 12 months – whichever is the shorter. You will have to look for work whilst claiming.
When your course ends
You can claim benefits when you have completed your course and it has officially ended, as you are then no longer registered as a student. Your eligibility to receive benefits will depend upon meeting the normal benefit rules. The amount of benefit paid depends on your income and/or your partner’s income if you live together, whether this is from benefits, employment or another source.
All students
If you claim or receive benefits, you must tell the relevant benefit office/DWP department that you are a student and provide evidence of your student income as these are both changes in your circumstances. This may affect your benefit entitlement.
For further information about claiming benefits as a student, contact Student Advice.
You can also find information on the following websites: