Full time education rules
When people in full time education may get Universal Credit
People in full-time education may get Universal Credit if any of the following apply, they:
- are responsible for a dependent child or qualifying young person
- are part of a couple where one or both adults are in education and are responsible for a dependent child or qualifying young person
- are single or couple foster parents responsible for a dependent child or qualifying young person
- have Limited Capability for Work and are entitled to Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment
- have reached the qualifying age for State Pension Credit and are a member of a couple, but the other partner has not reached that age
- are a member of a couple with no dependent children and one partner is eligible for Universal Credit
For more information about qualifying young persons who are in full time non-advanced education, see 16-19 year olds in education or training.
A student in full-time education may get Universal Credit for any period in which either of the following applies:
- they have taken a break from their course because they are ill or caring for someone with the agreement of the educational establishment
- they have recovered from illness, or stopped caring for someone within the last year but have not yet resumed their course
They must also not be eligible for a student loan, grant or bursary.