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Housing & Council Tax Benefit for Students
The Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit Regulations tell us that a student is a person who is attending a course of study at an educational establishment.
Most full-time students cannot claim Housing Benefit because the Government expects them to use other money like their grant, student loan or access funds to pay their rent.
Which students can claim?
You might be able to claim if you:
- are a part-time student;
- are a student who is responsible for a child or young person (as part of a couple or on your own);
- are a single foster parent;
- are 60 or over or whose partner is;
- get Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance;
- meet the conditions for a Disability Premium (these are allowances we use to work out benefit for people who meet certain conditions);
- have not been able to work for 28 weeks, the decision for 'incabable for work' will be made by Job Centre Plus;
- qualify for a disabled student's allowance because you are deaf;
- are under 19 and not in higher education;
- have a partner who is not a student (they need to claim, not you); or
have to interrupt your course, with the approval of the college or university, due to illness or caring responsibilities (for a maximum of 1 year).
More information for students
Can students from abroad claim Housing Benefit?Can student nurses claim Housing Benefit?
I have to maintain two homes, can I claim Housing Benefit?
If I can claim, how much will I get?
How do I claim and what proof do you need?
Do I have to pay Council Tax?
What can I do if I don't agree with your decision?
Where can I get help?
