The Department for Work and Pensions is issuing Universal Credit claimants even if you are studying full-time. The DWP has expanded Universal Credit to students thanks to a little-known rule, the benefits department has confirmed.
The Labour Party government took to Twitter, now X, on Tuesday (January 7), to ask: “Did you know you may still be able to get Universal Credit even if you’re studying full time? Find out more” . Universal Credit is a monthly payment to help with your living costs. You may be able to get it if you’re on a low income or out of work.
The government explains online: “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.”
READ MORE Blue Badge holders face £1,000 fine under plan to ‘tackle’ trend
The DWP then lists “if you’re aged 21 or under, in full-time non-advanced education and do not have parental support”, if “you’re responsible for a child” and if “you live with your partner and they’re eligible for Universal Credit” as reasons.
Other criteria coild be if you’ve reached the qualifying age for Pension Credit and live with a partner who is under that age, or if you’ve received a Migration Notice telling you to move to Universal Credit or if you’re disabled, were assessed as having limited capability for work before starting your course, and are getting Personal Independence Payment or Disability Living Allowance or Child Disability Payment in Scotland or Attendance Allowance or Armed Forces Independence Payment.
The DWP adds: “You may also be able to get Universal Credit if you’re studying in full-time non-advanced education, you do not get a student loan or maintenance grant and you’re available for work. If the course is more than 12 hours a week, this only applies from 1 September following your 19th birthday. This is because your parents can claim benefits for you before that date.
“You may be asked to provide evidence of the course you’re doing.”