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Benefits
Although most full-time students are not entitled to social security benefits, certain students in vulnerable groups, including young people without parental support, single parents and disabled students, may be eligible. If you want to take a course of full-time education you should always ask at your local Jobcentre Plus office or local Citizens Advice Bureau how this will affect your benefits.
If you are currently eligible for certain income-related benefits you may still be entitled to them when you become a part-time or distance-learning student. It is important to discuss this with your college or university student adviser as well as the local Jobcentre Plus office.
Additional assistance you receive for travel and study expenses should not affect your benefits.
Tax Credits
Students with dependent children are entitled to claim Child Tax Credit from HM Revenue and Customs ( HMRC). Extra amounts are available for those who are caring for disabled children. Those who are receiving the maximum amount of Child Tax Credit are entitled to free school meals for their children (but not if you or your partner receive Working Tax Credit). Contact your Local Education Authority for more details on how to apply for free school meals.
Disabled students or students with children who work 16 hours or more a week could also be eligible for Working Tax Credit, which is designed to make work pay for those on lower incomes. Extra help is also available to those who are disabled. Students over 25 working at least 30 hours a week on a low income may also be entitled to Working Tax Credit.
How much help you get depends on your circumstances. To find out more, visit www.hmrc.gov.uk or call the Tax Credit Information Line on 0845 300 3900. For more information about how tax affects students, check out www.hmrc.gov.uk/students . You can also drop into your local HMRC Enquiry Centre (listed under Inland Revenue or HMRC in the telephone directory).
Housing Benefit
This helps you with the cost of your rent if you're on a low income. Full-time students in further education under 19 are usually eligible to claim. If you're a full-time student not in this group you wouldn't normally qualify for help but you may be able to get this support if you're disabled or have children. Your local council will advise you and provide you with application forms.
Council Tax
Most full-time students are exempt from paying council tax. If you're not exempt, for example if you own your home and share with other adults, you may be entitled to a second adult rebate or you may be entitled to council tax benefit.
Health Benefits
If you're studying full time and are under 19 you may qualify for a range of free medical benefits, including free NHS prescriptions, dental treatment, eye tests and glasses, if you need them. Otherwise, if you're on a low income, you may qualify. For further information call 0845 850 1166.
Training for Work
If you have been unemployed for longer that six months you may be referred for a Training for Work programme. Participants receive an additional £10 allowance on top of their benefit payment (either Job Seekers Allowance or Incapacity Benefit). All training costs are provided free and you may also be helped with travel costs.
New Deal
If you are unemployed and aged 18 to 24, Jobcentre Plus offers the New Deal for Young People, to help you into employment. This New Deal can support you in a job placement with training, or in full-time education or training leading to a job-related skill. Support can include paying course fees and assisting you with the cost of books, equipment and travel. There are other New Deals to help you into employment which you may qualify for if you are aged 25 and over, aged 50 plus, if you are a lone parent or have a disability. These special programmes can help with things like childcare and disability aids. To find out more about the New Deals, contact your local Jobcentre or visit the website at www.newdeal.gov.uk
Benefits Information
For more information contact your local Jobcentre Plus, your college or university student adviser or your local Citizens Advice Bureau or visit the following websiteswww.cpag.org.ukorwww.newdeal.gov.uk
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