Students and Benefits
The benefits system is complex, and although many full time students are excluded from claiming many benefits, there are important exceptions. There are also constantly changing rules, so make sure you ask (and then double check) to make sure you get the benefits you are entitled to. The new coalition government in Westminister may not control the education budget (this is a devolved power) but they still decide upon social security, and with cuts being planned across the UK, information is subject to constant change..
We are lucky enough to get help from the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) They are an expert source of up to date knowledge and support on benefits and tax credits. Our advisers can help liase with them to give you the best and most up to date information- so get in touch if you are unsure on what you are entitled to.
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Claiming child Maintenence?
Child Maintenance is now ignored for working out Income Support. This means that people who applied before April and have been turned down because of the maintenance income, or students who tried last summer and were refused, may now qualify for income support. For more information please contact your local Welfare Rights Office or contact the DWP.
Council Tax
As a full time student living on your own you should be exempt from paying council tax. A form should be collected from your local housing office and completed by our Student Records Office. Students moving form one course to another, or transferring institution may become liable for Council tax over the long summer holiday, even if that course is a progression.
If there are other non student occupiers of your property the council tax the bill will become their responsibility. Students are "invisible" when calculating any rebate applicable to a property, e.g. you share with one other person who would then qualify for the single person's rebate of 25%.
Properties that are occupied solely by students are exempt from council tax, for example student halls of residences. Tenants in properties that are occupied on different leases e.g. bed sits, are not liable for the Council tax. Even although the landlord may not be resident, they are liable. The landlord is within their rights to increase the rent accordingly.
For a full overview of council tax rights go to the government's web site at www.scotland.gov.uk/library3/localgov/ctlde-00.asp
Which students are liable?
Part-time students and students who own the property in which they live may still become liable for the Council tax.
Child Tax/Working Tax Credits (CTC/WTC)
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Who can claim?
Students can claim Child Tax Credit if they:
- Are a lone parent with one or more children
- Are part of a couple and have one or more children
- Are responsible for at least one child who is "normally living with" the claimant
- Have children who are under 16, or under 19 and in full-time non-advanced education
- Are not subject to immigration control.
Students are able to claim Working Tax Credit if they:
- Are 16 or over, have children and are working at least 16 hours a week
- Are 16 or over , have a disability and are working at least 16 hours a week
- Are over 25 and working 30 hours a week
- Are 50 or over, have been claiming Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance or Incapacity Benefit for at least 6 months, and are now working more than 16 hours a week
- Are not subject to immigration control.
Students who are not eligible for Working Tax Credit may also be able to claim for childcare if they:
- Are a single parent, working at least 16 hours a week, and incurring "relevant childcare charges" (registered nursery care)
- Are a couple, BOTH working at least 16 hours a week between them, and incurring childcare costs
- Are a couple, one working and the other incapacitated, incurring childcare costs.
Housing Benefit
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Housing benefit is not normally available to full time students unless you are either:
- A lone parent
- A disabled student qualifying for the Disabled Students Allowance
- Students responsible for a foster child
- Students aged 60 or over
Contact your local council and apply for your housing benefit, the local authority will means test you in the same manner as any other applicant, which means they will need to see your letter of award, student loan agreement and any Child Tax Credit you may be receiving.
Part time students are eligible for Housing Benefit under the standard benefit agency rules and regulations.
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Room: J208
Tel: 01292 886267
E: funding.adviceayr@uws.ac.uk
Dumfries and Galloway College Building
Tel: 01387 734279
E: studentservices-dumfries@uws.ac.uk
HAMILTON CAMPUS:
Beckford Building
Tel: 01698 894448
E: funding.advicehamilton@uws.ac.uk