As students return to university, many may not know that they are missing out on further financial support.

Students could still be eligible for Universal Credit while undertaking their university studies.

If you are a student you can still claim the benefit from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) if you are over 66, live with a partner who can claim Universal Credit, or are responsible for a child.

You will also be able to apply for Universal Credit if you get Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Adult Disability Payment or Child Disability Payment and you have limited capability for work.

Experts at Turn2Us, a national charity providing help for people who struggle financially, also say you could qualify for Universal Credit if you have taken time out from your course due to illness or for caring responsibilities and are now waiting to restart your course.

Similarly, if you are under the age of 21 and taking a course for a qualification at the same level or below as A levels, such as Scottish Highers, National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) up to level 3, but do not live with your parents, you may be eligible for Universal Credit.

Turn2Us explains: “To be able to get Universal Credit, everyone has to agree to a claimant commitment.

“You will not have to do anything under your claimant commitment if:

  • You are claiming Universal Credit as a student under 21 doing a course that leads to qualification up to A level standard and you have no parental support.
  • You are claiming Universal Credit as a student, and you receive student income such as a grant or a loan for maintenance.

“Even if you don’t fall into either of these two groups, you might not have to do anything under the normal rules on claimant commitments.

“You will have to take some actions as part of your claimant if you are claiming Universal Credit as a student who has taken time out from your course.

“You will have to talk to your work coach to find out.”