UC application advice for disabled son

Hopeful0324

I was wondering if anyone had any information/advice - my son is 20 in a few days and has autism. He is currently still at college studying a Level 3 qualification (in his first year of a 2 year course). He came off our UC claim on August 31st - we are now no longer eligible for UC. He is on PIP - enhanced for both daily living and mobility. He struggles massively with social communication and continence issues and would struggle to get/hold down any type of job.
Would he be eligible to claim UC in his own right? I am his appointee for PIP - do I apply for him on his behalf? Would he need to attend any interviews? If so, would I be able to go with him as he would not be able to manage this by himself?
Any advice would be great - thank you

KxMx

Edit, missed he was a FT student. 

That likely rules out UC. 
Have you looked into Disabled Students Allowance? 

https://www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowance-dsa 

TheShape

I'm unfortunately not going to be able to look for any guidance but he may not be eligible for UC if he is a full-time student.

If full-time, I cannot see that he meets any of the eligibility criteria.

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

(I had a moment to find some guidance).

Spoonie_Turtle

TheShape said:

I'm unfortunately not going to be able to look for any guidance but he may not be eligible for UC if he is a full-time student.

If full-time, I cannot see that he meets any of the eligibility criteria.

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

(I had a moment to find some guidance).

I thought they could if it was non-advanced education, but it looks like they've stipulated being without parental support.

OP you might need to have a look at https://contact.org.uk/help-for-families/information-advice-services/benefits-financial-help/universal-credit/universal-credit-for-young-people/#young-people-in-education-can-get-UC

It's complicated but may potentially be doable if this is non-advanced education or part-time.

kaysdee

I was able to apply for UC for my eldest son when he was 20 but this was when he had moved into supported living so met the without parental support criteria. He does attend a specialist college but does not have any and will not be gaining any qualification - it is more of a learning daily living skills experience - and although full time he was deemed to not be receiving education.

I wasn’t able to claim anything for him between him turning 20 and his move. I suspect your son won’t be eligible if he’s living at home and working towards a level 3 qualification.

My son receives enhanced PIP for care and mobility (and now UC with LCWRA) and there was a suggestion prior to UC to look into a credits only ESA claim. I didn’t check into this in detail because he then got his move date. I believe it was suggested because it would lead to a work capability assessment which will automatically transfer to LCWRA if a UC claim is made at a later date. This could be one option to explore if your son can’t claim UC yet.