The Government has issued a Universal Credit alert as people may be missing out on hundreds of pounds in extra cash. Universal Credit is given to people under State Pension age, who are on a low income and/or out of work.
The benefit is paid monthly by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), and how much a person will receive depends on certain criteria. A new GOV.UK update on X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday, is urging certain people to check if they are eligible to receive Universal Credit, as they may mistakenly think otherwise.
The post in full reads: “Did you know you may still be able to get Universal Credit even if you’re studying full time? Find out more” before adding in a link that provides more information. Government guidance further explains students may be eligible for Universal Credit if they are aged under 21 and without parental support, or if responsible for a child.
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Other circumstances in which a student may be entitled to the benefit include if you live with your partner and they’re eligible for Universal Credit, you’ve reached the qualifying age for Pension Credit and live with a partner who is under that age, or if you’ve received a Migration Notice telling you to move to Universal Credit.
You may also be eligible if you are disabled, were assessed as having limited capability for work before starting your course, and are getting either Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance, Child Disability Payment in Scotland, Attendance Allowance, or Armed Forces Independence Payment.
DWP guidance adds: “You may also be able to get Universal Credit if you’re studying in full-time non-advanced education, you do not get a student loan or maintenance grant and you’re available for work. If the course is more than 12 hours a week, this only applies from 1 September following your 19th birthday. This is because your parents can claim benefits for you before that date.”
For more information, or to apply for Universal Credit, click here