As part of our Time for Summer campaign, we want to provide support for those going onto or returning to further education in the Autumn. If you’re a student who may need some money advice, we have some helpful suggestions for you.
Many colleges and universities will have a Student Finance Officer who will be able to give you more information on the support that is available, such as grants you could be eligible for.
Often, we find that students are not aware that they may be able to get extra help by claiming Universal Credit.
If you are in education, you may be able to claim further support from Universal Credit. Full-time students in advanced education will not be expected to meet the work search and availability requirements.
You could be eligible if you are:
- responsible for a child (up until their 16th birthday).
- receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
- waiting to return to a course after time out because of an illness or a caring responsibility that has ended.
- in non-advanced education in certain circumstances e.g., without parental support and under 21 in further education (still eligible if you turn 21 whilst on the course).
- a single foster parent or a student couple who foster.
There may be other circumstances for which you would be eligible to claim.
For more information, you should contact your course providers’ Student Finance Officer.
Please be aware that some student loans or grants will be considered as income and could affect your benefit claim. You need to make sure that a Universal Credit claim is right for you, so check with your Student Finance Officer.
You can also claim if you are in receipt of the 16-19 year old bursary. This £30.00 per week will not be counted as income in your Universal Credit claim.
If you’re a student who would like more financial advice, you can get in contact with our Money Advice Team for support, here.
Before you go back to school, why not have a Summer of fun? You can find lots of information on things to do in our communities as part of our Time for Summer campaign, here.