Benefits
This section applies to UK students only. International, EU and UK students who have been living outside the UK, may not qualify for state benefits and should seek further advice either by calling the relevant agency responsible for administering the benefit, their local benefits office or the Student Advice Centre. Information is also available from UKCISA (PDF:86.1KB).
As a general rule most students are not entitled to state benefits but they may be able to claim if they are:
- a couple where one partner is not a full-time student
- studying part-time and on a low income
- a student couple with children
- a lone parent
- a disabled student
The DirectGov website provides lots of useful information about students and benefits or you can call the free Jobcentre Plus helpline: 0800 055 6688.
If your family circumstances change and you are going through a divorce or separation and want information about the impact this could have on your financial situation you might find it useful to visit the Money Advice Service website.
Student income
Some benefits are means-tested and the amount a student will be eligible to receive will depend upon their income. Student income will be taken into account when their entitlement for means-tested benefits is calculated.
