Unfortunately, most full time students won't be able to claim
housing benefit because
the government expects you to use other money, like your grant or student loan to pay your rent.
But, in certain circumstances we may be able to help you pay your rent under the housing benefit scheme. For example, if you are:
- a lone parent.
- a part-time student.
- aged under 19 and you are not in higher education.
- aged over 60.
- responsible for a foster child.
- receiving income support or Job Seekers Allowance (Income Based).
- qualifying for a disability premium or your grant includes a disabled student's allowance, or if you:
- have to interrupt your course, with the approval of the college or university, due to illness or caring responsibilities.
Even if you meet one of these criteria, you will not be able to claim benefit if you live in a hall of residence or a property owned by the
college or university.
You must complete an application form for housing benefit as soon as possible as we can only normally pay you benefit from the Monday after
we receive your completed claim.
You can download a
housing benefit form (PDF: 157kb) or
contact us and we'll send one to you. If you are part of a couple, you should
contact us to see who should claim.
When you complete your application form, you should provide proof of your grant income and student loan and any other income you receive.
When we calculate your housing benefit, we treat students as receiving a student loan, even if you do not apply for one.
For more information about housing benefit, please see our
housing and council tax benefit information.