St Peter’s
RC Sixth Form
Higher Education: Social Security Benefits
Social Security
Benefits
Most full-time students are not entitled to social security benefits (including
housing benefit). However, certain students who are experiencing particular
difficulties may be covered by these benefits. The include disabled students
and lone parents, and some part-time and Open University students. Leaflet
GL19, School-Leavers and Students, a quick guide to benefits, available
from job centres and social security offices, provides a quick guide to
the benefits you may be able to get if you have just left school or are
a student.
Also visit www.dwp.gov.uk
If you are already on benefits and decide to study full-time, this might
affect your benefits – check with your local social security office.
If you are eligible for benefits, any income you have, such as grants
or loans, will be taken into account. For advice, visit your local social
security office to seek information.
If you have applied for a student loan, the allocation of the loan will
be taken into account when assessing the social security benefit you might
receive. If you are eligible for a loan but have not taken one out, this
amount will still be taken into consideration as it is classed as income
at your disposal. Support towards tuition fees is not taken into account.
Students are usually not eligible for housing benefit, income support
or the Jobseeker’s Allowance until after the summer holiday at the
end of their degree course, as you are officially a student until the
September/October of the year in which you graduate.
The only good news
If you are a full-time student you will not usually have to pay council
tax. If you are a full-time student and your partner is working, you may
be able to get Council Tax Benefit.
As a student, you could also get help towards prescription and other NHS
charges through the NHS Low Income Scheme. Find out whether you are eligible
by reading booklet HC11 Are You Entitled to Help with Health Costs?, available
from your local social security officer or online at
www.doh.gov.uk
or ring NHS direct on 08454647. If you are eligible, you will need to fill in an HC1 claim form, available from a social security office, opticians or post office. This will enable you to get an HC2 certificate which will give you help with health costs.
Higher Education pages updated 23rdJune 2003