If you are a full-time student then you can apply for a Council Tax exemption. This means you will normally not have to pay any Council Tax. Although there are some exceptions, most full-time students are not entitled to claim Housing Benefit to help with their rent.
Which Students can claim Housing Benefit?
If you are a student, you can make a claim for Housing Benefit if you are:
- also entitled to Income Support or Income Based Job Seekers Allowance
- your course is only part-time
- under 20 years of age and your course is of 'A'-Level Standard or lower
- aged 60 or over
- responsible for a child or young person
(you receive child benefit for them) - responsible for a foster child or a child who is boarded with a local authority or voluntary organisation
- in receipt of certain benefits because you are disabled
- in receipt of a grant assessment allowance for deafness
(even if you only get grant fees)
If you have a partner who is not a full-time student, then he/she may claim Housing Benefit for both of you.
A leaflet about Housing Benefit and Students is available by clicking the link below.
Overseas Students
If you are a student from overseas, it is very unlikely that you will be entitled to claim Housing Benefit, but it may depend on your circumstances. You should contact the Benefit Office for further advice.
If I am entitled to Housing Benefit, how do I apply for it?
You will need to complete an application form and send it to the Benefit Office without delay. You can download a claim form by clicking on the link below.
Date of last review: 26 August 2008