College student asks if there any benefits they can claim?
Q. I am 19 and at college doing further education, I am estranged from my parents and currently staying with friends.
I get a small bursary from the collegethatcoversmytravelcosts. Am I able to claim any benefits as I understand it can be difficult to get benefits if you are a student? I am in good health and have no children, also if I found a place to live could I get help with rental costs? I have not worked so have not paid any National Insurance contributions.
A. You could potentially submit a claim for Universal Credit butthiswoulddependonthetype ofcourse/levelofstudyyouareengaging in. As long as the course is not classed as higher education and you have no parental support thenyoucansubmitaclaim.Higher education would normally be classedasanycourseofstudysuch as a degree or above. If your current study is for A’ levels or similar (such as some HND’s, BTEC course, etc.) then this would not normallybeclassedashighereducation.Yourcollegeshouldbeable toclarifyifyouareornotinhigher education based on what you are studying.
You may still have commitments to meet as part of your Universal Credit agreement such as job seeking and this will be agreed with your job coach but these would normally be worked aroundyourattendanceatcollege.
If you were to become responsible for rent if you obtained a place of your own then your Universal Credit can be increased to take these into account but due to your age you will only be paid thesharedaccommodationrateif you rent privately, even if you are theonlypersoninthetenancy.Alternatively if you were to obtain a tenancy from a social housing landlordthenyouwouldnormally bepaidmostofyourrentcostsless anyineligibleservicechargesand/ orbedroomtaxifthepropertyhas more than one bedroom.
To have any housing costs added simply report any change on your Universal Credit journal.
If there is any rental shortfall (whether this is a private rent or socialLL)thenyoucanalsosubmit a claim for discretionary housing payments from your local council. Renting a property will normally create liability for council tax, however you may qualify for student exemption as long as the course will last for three months andyoustudyforatleast12hours/ week. If you failed to qualify for an exemptionthenyouwouldstillbe able to obtain a single person discount(ifyoulivedalone)andclaim council tax reduction to reduce your overall liability.