Can you get Universal Credit and Jobseeker’s Allowance? #1

dmitrinekol

Active member
Nobody leaves university hoping to have difficulty finding a job as a graduate, but sometimes these things are out of your control.

And, of course, it's not exactly plain-sailing while you're a student either – the perfect storm of an insufficient Maintenance Loan and struggling to work around your studies means your time at university could be one long battle to get by.

Fortunately, you may be able to claim benefits to help fund your living costs. While Universal Credit and Jobseeker's Allowance have been criticised for not providing enough financial support, the money they do provide could prove invaluable for you. Read on to find out if you're eligible, plus how to apply and how much you could get.

What’s in this guide?​

  • What is Universal Credit?
  • Universal Credit eligibility criteria
  • Can students and graduates get Universal Credit?
  • How much Universal Credit can you get?
  • Applying for Universal Credit
  • What is Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)?
  • New style JSA eligibility criteria
  • Can students and graduates get JSA?
  • How much JSA can you get?
  • Applying for JSA
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  • What is Universal Credit?​


    universal credit poster

    Credit: Michaelasbest – Shutterstock
    Universal Credit is a relatively new system, combining several different benefits that previously operated independently. These 'legacy benefits' were:
    • Child Tax Credit
    • Housing Benefit
    • Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
    • Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
    • Income Support
    • Working Tax Credit.
  • Note that there are three types of Jobseeker's Allowance, only one of which (income-based Jobseeker's Allowance) now comes under the umbrella of Universal Credit. We'll explain the others later.

    What are benefits?​

    People often use the terms 'benefits' and 'Universal Credit' interchangeably and, while this is sometimes accurate, they do refer to different things.

    Benefits describe any type of payment from the government that's designed to help people on a low income, or those with specific needs or circumstances (like having children, being a carer or having a disability).

    Universal Credit is just one type of benefit. Although it now includes some of the most well-known benefits, like Income Support, there are other payments that it doesn't include, like Housing Benefit.

    Who is eligible for Universal Credit?​

    red pen ticking boxes

    Credit: Kenishirotie – Shutterstock
    We wish we could give you a simple answer to this, we really do. But, unfortunately, there are so many stipulations and exceptions over who can claim what, that it's borderline impossible to quickly summarise who's entitled to Universal Credit.

    That said, there are a few basic criteria that, if you meet them, could allow you to claim Universal Credit:
    • You live in the UK
    • You're aged 18 or over (although there are some exceptions for 16 and 17-year-olds)
    • You or your partner are under the State Pension age
    • You're on a low income or out of work
    • You and your partner's combined savings come to £16,000 or less.
  • Beyond this, there are dozens of different reasons why you may or may not be eligible for Universal Credit. Some more of the main ones are listed on this government page, although you may be best just skipping the middle man and using a benefits calculator.

    Frustratingly, the government advises that if you're a student, benefits calculators won't give you an accurate result – so read on for more details on how you could be eligible as a student.

    Regardless of your student status, you'll also need to sign a Claimant Commitment to start receiving Universal Credit.

    A Claimant Commitment is essentially an agreement between you and your local Jobcentre, outlining measures that you need to take to show that you're willing and able to work.

    It will be tailored to your situation (taking into account factors such as having a disability or being responsible for children), and could require you to complete activities like creating a CV or applying for jobs. You can find out more about Claimant Commitments here.


    Can students get Universal Credit?​

    student at freshers fair

    Credit: Arts SU - Flickr
    In the majority of cases, full-time students can't claim Universal Credit. However, there are some individual circumstances which mean you may be eligible, including:
    • You're aged 21 or under, studying for a course which leads to a qualification at the level of A Levels or below, AND you don't have parental support.
    • You're responsible for a child.
    • You live with your partner and they're eligible to receive Universal Credit.
    • You're receiving Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment or Armed Forces Independence Payment, AND you have a disability limiting your capability to work.
  • For more details on how to claim Universal Credit as a full-time student, check out this page.

    If you're a part-time student, your chances of getting Universal Credit are a little better, although there are no guarantees.

    You need to be able to prove that you're still able to satisfy any work-related requirements that are relevant to you receiving Universal Credit (this will likely form part of your Claimant Commitment) – in other words, that your part-time course actually is part-time, and not so intense that it will impact on your ability to work.

    Regardless of whether you're a full- or part-time student, it's worth bearing in mind that your Maintenance Loan will be considered as a form of income, and will reduce the amount of Universal Credit you receive.

    Tuition Fee Loans, as well as Special Support Loans and Grants, won't affect the amount of Universal Credit you're entitled to.

    If you're a student and you have a disability, it's worth checking to see if you're eligible for Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA).

    Can graduates get Universal Credit?​

    As a graduate, you should be eligible for Universal Credit as long as you meet the standard requirements that apply to all applicants.

    Don't worry if your graduation ceremony is a few months after you finish university – for the purposes of benefits, you're no longer considered to be a student after the last day of term in the final academic year of your course (check with your uni if you're unsure when this is).
 
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