Students & Universal Credit

iklepig

Hello,

Are there any circumstances in which students are eligible for universal credit? 

Single, full-time postgraduate student, receiving  PIP & works few hours (can’t work more due to disability). Pays rent for flat. Receiving the government’s postgraduate loan. 

Thanks for any advice. 

rosewalk

There is useful information on the Government website at Universal Credit and students - GOV.UK

Spoonie_Turtle

Being disabled (claiming PIP or an equivalent) used to be an exception allowing someone to claim UC, but since the rules changed a while ago they'd have to have been assessed as having Limited Capability for Work before starting their course.

ESA, the only other option, doesn't have that restriction but they'd need to have worked and earned enough to have the NI contributions in the past two full tax years to be eligible for payments.

KxMx

Disability Rights UK have a Disabled Students Helpline. 

https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/disabled-students-helpline

huckster

ESA can be claimed on a credits only basis, where no benefit is payable, but it enables a work capability assessment process to see whether a disabled student qualifies for limited capability for work and work related activity (LCWRA).  If they do qualify, this can lead to eligibility criteria for Universal Credit being met I.e. PIP and assessed as having LCWRA.

born_again

Might be worth people looking at OP other thread for more info.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6636474/student-council-tax-exemption#latest