Students and Benefits

Full-Time Students

Most full-time higher education (HE) students cannot claim income-related benefits such as Universal Credit (UC). However, some HE full-time students may be eligible to make a claim if they: 

• are a lone parent to a dependent child.
• live with a partner who is also a student and one or both are responsible for a child. 
• have a disability, have been assessed as having a limited capability for work prior to commencing study and are in receipt of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).  
• are making a joint claim with a partner who is not a student or who is a student but would be eligible for UC her/himself while studying. 

Full-time students who take a temporary withdrawal from their studies cannot claim means-tested benefits unless they fall into one of the categories above or

• have taken time out due to illness or caring responsibilities which have now ended, are waiting to return to their course, and are not eligible for a grant or loan.  

Part-time Students 

HE students enrolled on to a part-time course may be eligible to apply for income-related benefits if they are on a low income and meet certain conditions. 

Further information on income-related benefits and students can be found at NIDirect here.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) 

PIP is a benefit for people who need help towards the extra living costs arising from having a long-term physical condition, mental health condition or a disability that is expected to last for 12 months or longer. 

You can apply for PIP even if you are studying full or part–time, providing you meet certain conditions. Eligibility to PIP is not affected by being in work or having savings.

You may be eligible to receive an award or PIP if all the following apply to you: 

• you are aged 16 or over and under State Pension age. 
• you satisfy certain rules on residence and presence in the UK, and are not a ’person subject to immigration control’.  
• you have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability. 
• you have been assessed as having difficulties doing certain everyday tasks or getting around. 
• you have had these difficulties for at least three months and expect them to last for at least another nine months.

If you are a full-time student, getting PIP may help you to be eligible for Universal Credit (see above). 

Further information on PIP can be found on NIDirect website here.

Carer’s Allowance (CA) may be paid to those aged 16 or over who spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone who is ill or has a disability. The person being cared for must get one of the following benefits: 

• Personal Independence Payment (daily living component) 
• Disability Living Allowance (middle or high rate for personal care) 
• Attendance Allowance 
• Constant Attendance Allowance (no less than the full-day rate) 
• Armed Forces Independence Payment 

Those who are enrolled on a course of study which is described by their college or university as being a full-time course are not eligible for CA, regardless of how many hours of study are undertaken each week.

Students undertaking a part-time course which requires less than 21 hours a week of study may be able to claim CA, providing they satisfy the basic rules of entitlement. The total hours of study include not just classes, lectures, and seminars, but also individual study for coursework undertaken, on or off campus.

Further information on CA can be found on the NIDirect website here.