Information for Students

Most full-time students are not entitled to claim Housing Benefit (HB) during the whole of their course, including the summer vacations and any periods of temporary absence from the course of study. However, if you are a part-time student or if you are in one of the exempt categories below, then you may be able to get help with your rent. If you are on a Training For Work Scheme and getting a training allowance you are not classed as a student for HB purposes.

Full-time students who can claim Housing Benefit

• Lone parents/couples who are responsible for a dependant child.
• People who get Income Support or income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) – if you are getting these benefits you will automatically be entitled to claim HB.
• Disabled students (includes students who have a disability premium included in their applicable amount and those who have been awarded a Disabled Students’ Allowance by reason of their deafness).
• Students aged under 19 – following a course of further education (but not higher education).
• Students with dependent children – if you are solely responsible for a child boarded out with you by a local council or voluntary organisation (including foster parents).
• Students who take a break in their studies, with the agreement of their school or college, because of a spell of illness, or of caring for someone who is ill or disabled, and that period has now ended.
• Pensioners – if you are aged 60 or more – or whose partners are aged 60+.

Other useful information:
Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit - A guide for Students (national leaflet pdf)

This document was last updated on 2008-07-24 12:01:28 published by the Revenues and Benefits team. Document Reference:LBE_133125