Can students receive Housing Benefit?

Most full time students cannot receive Housing Benefit, but there are some exceptions.

What are the exceptions?

The following students can claim Housing Benefit

• Part time students

• Lone parents

• Those solely responsible for a child

• Students receiving Income Support or Income Based Job Seekers Allowance

• Students with a disability, including those with deafness

• Students with dependent children whose partner is also a full time student

• Those under 19 following a course of further education (such as ‘A’ levels or NVQs but not degree courses)

• Students under 20 for whom Child Benefit is payable

• Those over 60

• Those who are absent due to caring responsibilities or illness with the prior approval of the college attended.

I live in the halls of residence but qualify as one of the exceptions. Am I still eligible?

Yes, those eligible students living in accommodation owned by the educational establishment can apply.

Will Housing Benefit cover all of my rent?

This depends on the amount of your income, any capital or savings you have and your family circumstances. As well as this, all the normal rules which may result in a rent restriction or a non-dependant deduction apply to students.

Will I get a disability premium because I get a disabled students allowance?

A disabled students allowance does not, by itself, allow us to award a disability premium. To qualify for a disability premium you must have received, or be in receipt of, a range of specified benefits.

What income will you use to calculate my Housing Benefit?

We must include your income from grants and loans as well as any other income you might have such as earnings, child benefit and other state benefits. If you have a partner their income will also be taken into account.

I have lots of expenses, will you allow for these?

Some expenses are allowed for. These include fixed amounts for books and travel and, if you are a lone parent, certain childcare costs if these are paid to a registered childminder or day nursery. We will also disregard £10 of any student loan income per week you have, or could have, obtained.

I am not receiving my parents' assessed contribution, will you allow for this?

No, the law requires us to take into account any assessed contribution to a grant or loan whether or not it is paid. This applies to the student’s personal contribution (if any) as well as to contributions from parents or a spouse.

I have decided not to take out a student loan, will you allow for this?

No, the law requires us to take into account the maximum amount of any loan available to the student. This applies even if no loan is taken up or a lesser amount borrowed.