Universal Credit for Students

Most students in full-time Higher Education are not eligible for Universal Credit (UC).

However, there are exceptions as detailed in the following guidance:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/universal-credit-and-students 

Studying full-time

You cannot usually get Universal Credit if you’re studying full-time. There are some exceptions.

You may be able to get Universal Credit if you’re studying full-time and any of the following apply:

• you’re aged 21 or under, in full-time non-advanced education and do not have parental support
• you’re responsible for a child
• you live with your partner and they’re eligible for Universal Credit
• you’ve reached the qualifying age for Pension Credit and live with a partner who is under that age
• you’ve received a Migration Notice telling you to move to Universal Credit
• you’re disabled, were assessed as having limited capability for work before starting your course, and are getting:
  • Personal Independence Payment
  • Disability Living Allowance
  • Child Disability Payment in Scotland
  • Attendance Allowance
  • Armed Forces Independence Payment

If you are unsure of potential benefit entitlement, please get in touch with us.  

We will be happy to run through the eligibility criteria and if necessary, undertake a UC calculation, or review your current award to ensure the appropriate calculations have been undertaken.

Qualifying students (such as lone parents or those in receipt of disability benefits) may receive a higher rate of Maintenance Loan, a portion of which will be disregarded for benefits purposes (this is known as the Special Support Element). 

The Advice Team will be happy to check you are in receipt of the correct amounts of Maintenance Loan and Universal Credit if you send us copies of the relevant documents for checking.

Students can continue to claim PIP/DLA whilst they are studying and we would suggest that any student in receipt of either of these contact the university Disability Inclusion Services to find out if they are eligible for any additional support with their studies, either by applying for Disabled Students Allowance from SFE or whether there is additional support provided by the University.

Additionally, a very limited number of students may still be in receipt of legacy benefits, such as housing benefit or ESA. It is important that students notify the DWP and/or their Local Authority that they are in full time education and in receipt of funding from Student Finance. Should you require any support with legacy benefits, please get in touch.

 

Last Updated  April 2025