Can Students on full-time courses claim benefits?
Usually Full-Time students cannot claim benefits while at college, although there are a few exceptions. All students should notify their local benefits office before the start date of the course to avoid being paid allowances they may not be entitled to when attending college as any overpayment may have to be repaid.
Is Income Support available to students on full-time non-advanced courses?
The current regulations allow you to attend a Full-Time non-advanced college course and still claim or apply for income support, Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Housing Benefit and some other benefits if you fall into the following categories:
If you are receipt of Incapacity Benefit it may be possible to study Full-Time and still retain your benefit. Job Centre Plus will make this decision.
If you are unsure what your entitlement may be please contact your local Job Centre Plus adviser for more details.
For students on non-advanced courses, if you are entitled to continue to receive income support and housing benefit it will be in your interests to do so and the college will expect you to claim, rather than receive a bursary for living expenses. However you should still complete a bursary application as you may be entitled to other support from the college such as Travel & Course Expenses, and the cost of your tuition fees.
Due to new regulations certain students who claim Income Support as Lone Parents may no longer be entitled to this allowance while attending college depending on the age of their children, please contact your Local Benefits Office so they can advise you on your entitlement.
Am I entitled to claim housing benefit if I am a full time student?
The following applies to students on both advanced and non-advanced courses.
Most full-time students are not entitled to claim housing benefit, however you may be able to claim if you are:
For further information contact your local housing benefit office.
Or your citizens advice bureau.
Do I need to pay council tax when I am a full-time student?
You will not have to pay council tax if you are a full-time student on a course lasting at least 24 weeks and:
Am I eligible for tax credits?
Students and their families may be entitled to more money through tax credits. Students with children will be entitled to claim child tax credits, which will be paid to those who are responsible for at least one child, whether or not they are employed. Students who work more than 16 hours a week could also be eligible for working tax credits.
To find out what you may be entitled to visit