Benefits

Most full-time students were made ineligible for the majority of State benefits. A few groups can still claim certain benefits (see below), but unless you have caring responsibilities or are one partner of a two-student-parent family, receive Disability Living Allowance or have been ill for some time, you are unlikely to qualify. However, if you have a heterosexual, live-in partner who is eligible for benefits, they can claim for you as well.

The most common benefits that can be claimed by students are Income Support, Housing benefit and Job Seeker's Allowance. There are other benefits, but the rules are very complex and cannot be covered here.

Income Support (IS)

This is for people on a very low income who are not required to be available for work - generally those with caring responsibilities and ill/disabled people. Occasionally students from overseas whose funds are temporarily delayed can get a reduced amount of Income Support (IS), but this is fairly unusual. If you are in this situation, you should contact the International Office or AWARE immediately. IS is means-tested - any income you have, including student loan, is taken into account when assessing how much you get. It is made up of set amounts for yourself and any partner/dependants, plus extra amounts for different circumstances, e.g. being disabled. IS can also include an amount towards mortgage interest (not rent - see Housing Benefit below), but there is a waiting period before you get any mortgage support when you make a new claim. You claim at your local Benefits Agency (DSS) office.

Housing Benefit

This is administered by the local council and covers rent, up to certain limits, for people on low incomes living in private accommodation - you cannot get it if you live in halls. Again, it is mainly students with caring responsibilities and those with disabilities who can claim, but for this benefit only. You can also get it if you have child(ren) and a partner who is also a student. If you have a non-student partner, s/he should claim. Your student loan is taken into account, and you may not get all your rent paid.

Job Seeker's Allowance

You must be available for work to claim this benefit, so full-time students are not usually eligible. The only exceptions are members of two-student-parent families, when one of you can claim in the summer holiday only, if neither of you is working more than 16 hours a week. If you have a non-student partner, s/he can claim if s/he is available for work.

Further Information

Benefits Agency (Income Support)
Tel: 01225 498 200

Bath Housing Department (Housing Benefit)
Tel: 01225 477 000

Job Centre (Job Seeker's Allowance)
Tel: 01225 495 600