Single Parent with Child Going to University? Here’s How Universal Credit Can Help
For single parents, the transition of having a child head off to university is a significant milestone. This phase brings not just emotional changes but financial adjustments as well.
Similarly, if you’re a single parent planning to pursue higher education yourself, understanding the Universal Credit system and how it aligns with your goals is essential to avoid financial stress.
Universal Credit is a vital support mechanism for many families in the UK, but the rules can be complex, particularly when a child begins higher education or when a parent takes up studying.
It’s critical to understand how eligibility is determined, how income from student loans and grants is assessed, and what steps you can take to ensure you’re maximising your benefits.
This guide will break down all aspects of Universal Credit for single parents whose child is attending university, as well as for single parents studying either part-time or full-time.
What Is Universal Credit and How Does It Support Single Parents?
Universal Credit Overview
Universal Credit (UC) is a monthly benefit payment designed to provide financial assistance for living costs, rent, childcare, and more.
It replaced six previous benefits often referred to as “legacy benefits” which included Income Support, Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credit, and others.
As a single parent, you may rely on Universal Credit for:
- Housing costs: Assistance to cover your rent or mortgage interest.
- Childcare costs: Financial help with registered childcare while you work or study.
- Basic living costs: Support for utilities, food, and other essentials.
Single parents can also request alternative UC payment arrangements, such as twice-monthly payments or direct rent payments to landlords in Scotland, which can make budgeting easier.
Universal Credit and Your Child Attending University
When your child starts university, it’s important to understand how their education status impacts your claim:
What Happens to Dependency Status?
Your Universal Credit payments include an amount for each dependent child. However, when your child starts a university-level course, they are no longer classed as a dependent for Universal Credit purposes.
A dependent child is defined as:
- Under 16 years old, OR
- Aged 16–19 and in full-time non-advanced education (e.g., A-Levels, BTECs).
Once your child begins higher education, this status changes. As a result, you will stop receiving the child element in your Universal Credit payment.
Many single parents search “Will I still get Universal Credit if my child goes to university” on forums like Mumsnet or Reddit. The answer is that while you lose the child element, you may still qualify for housing and living support depending on your own circumstances.
However, you can still claim Child Benefit until the 31st of August after your child turns 19 if they were in full-time non-advanced education.
Financial Adjustments in Universal Credit
When your child is no longer classed as a dependent, your Universal Credit payments may be reduced. Key factors to consider:
- Housing Costs: If your child moves out for university, the housing element may be adjusted to reflect the reduced household size.
- Holiday Periods: During the holidays, if your child returns home, this may not change your Universal Credit entitlement unless it affects your housing needs.
Student Loans and Universal Credit
- If your child receives a maintenance loan for living expenses, it doesn’t directly impact your Universal Credit claim.
- However, if you previously received child tax credits, housing benefit, or any other support for your child, these benefits may no longer apply.
Student loans and grants are not counted as your income if they belong to your child. But if you are the one studying, your maintenance loan and grants will reduce your UC award.
Key Differences Between Full-Time and Part-Time Study with Universal Credit
The rules for claiming Universal Credit differ depending on whether you’re studying full-time or part-time:
Full-Time Study
- Eligibility: Generally, full-time students cannot claim Universal Credit, but single parents are an exception if they are responsible for a child under 16 (or up to 19 in non-advanced education).
- Income Impact: Maintenance loans and grants for living costs are treated as income, reducing your Universal Credit payments. However, certain grants, such as the Special Support Loan, are disregarded.
- Conditionality: Single parents with children under three have no work-related requirements during their studies. Those with older children may need to prepare for work or seek employment during summer vacations.
Part-Time Study
- Eligibility: Part-time students can usually claim Universal Credit without restrictions, as long as they meet their work-related requirements.
- Flexibility: Parents with children under 13 can limit work hours to school times, allowing for greater balance between study, work, and family life.
- Grants and Childcare: Fee grants and discretionary bursaries are available to part-time students, along with help for registered childcare costs.
Universal Credit for Students Over 21
If you are a single parent over 21 returning to education, your eligibility works the same way. You must show responsibility for a dependent child or meet special conditions (like disability or care leaver status). Your Universal Credit student calculator can help estimate entitlements more accurately.
Single Parents Studying Full-Time: Eligibility and Challenges
If you’re a single parent planning to study full-time, Universal Credit provides some support. However, the rules are strict, and your eligibility depends on several conditions:
Who Can Claim Universal Credit as a Full-Time Student?
You can claim Universal Credit as a full-time student if any of the following apply:
- You’re responsible for a child under 16 or a young person aged 16–19 in full-time non-advanced education.
- You live with a partner who is eligible for Universal Credit.
- You receive a Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), or another qualifying disability-related benefit.
- You’re a care leaver or lack parental support.
Single parents in further education may also qualify for discretionary bursary maintenance allowances of up to £28 per week, in addition to UC support.
Financial Impact of Student Loans and Grants
Student loans and grants significantly affect your Universal Credit entitlement:
- Maintenance Loans: Count as income and will reduce your Universal Credit payments on a £1-for-£1 basis. Universal Credit assumes you’ve taken the maximum maintenance loan you’re eligible for, even if you choose not to apply for one.
- Special Support Loans or Grants: Do not reduce Universal Credit. These loans cover study-related expenses like books, travel, and equipment.
- Summer Holidays: During the summer break, student loans and grants are not counted as income, and your Universal Credit payments may increase. However, you may be required to look for work during this period if your youngest child is aged three or over.
If you start a degree in September and receive maintenance loans, your UC may be reduced until June. In July and August, when loans are disregarded, your UC will increase again.
Additional Support for Lone Parent Students
As a single parent, you may also be eligible for:
- Childcare Costs Element: Universal Credit can cover up to 85% of your childcare costs while you study.
- Housing Costs: You can claim help with rent or mortgage interest payments.
- Bursaries and Grants: Some further education courses offer discretionary bursaries of up to £28 per week for single parents.
- Council Tax Reductions: If you are a full-time student, you are generally exempt. As a lone parent, if you are the only adult in the household, you can also receive a 25% discount.
Single Parents Studying Part-Time: Balancing Work and Study
If you’re studying part-time, Universal Credit rules are more flexible, but you must still meet work-related requirements:
- Parents with Children Under 13: You can limit your availability for work to school hours.
- Parents with Children Over 13: You must actively look for work or engage in work preparation activities.
Part-Time Study Benefits
- Fee grants and discretionary funds to help with childcare or study-related costs.
- Continued eligibility for Universal Credit as long as you meet work-related conditions.
How to Manage Conditionality Requirements as a Single Parent?
Conditionality refers to the requirements you must meet to continue receiving Universal Credit. These vary based on your youngest child’s age:
-
Under 1 year old: No work-related requirements.
-
Aged 1–2: Attend work-focused interviews.
-
Aged 3–4: Prepare for work and attend interviews.
-
Aged 5+: Actively search for and be available for work.
If you’re studying and your loan or bursary is treated as income, you are usually exempt from work-related requirements during term time. This prevents sanctions while focusing on your course.
Steps to Successfully Manage Your Universal Credit Claim
Managing your Universal Credit claim effectively requires attention to detail and regular updates:
1. Report Changes Promptly
- Always report changes in your circumstances, such as your child starting university or your enrolment in a new course, to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
2. Understand Assessment Periods
- Universal Credit is paid monthly based on your circumstances during a specific period. If you receive a student loan, it will be divided across the months of your course and deducted accordingly.
3. Seek Advice
- Welfare rights organisations, such as Citizens Advice, can provide guidance on navigating complex situations like balancing student loans, grants, and Universal Credit.
4. Utilise Available Support
- Look into grants, discretionary funds, and childcare support to ease your financial burden while studying.
5. Review Work Requirements
- Familiarise yourself with conditionality rules, especially if your youngest child is over three years old and you are required to look for work.
Conclusion
Navigating Universal Credit as a single parent can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re supporting a child at university or pursuing your own education. Understanding eligibility, income assessments, and work-related requirements adds to the complexity.
With the right information and careful planning, however, you can make the most of the support available. Staying informed is key to maximising your benefits.
For more detailed guidance and expert advice, visit Universal Credit News, where you’ll find resources and updates to help you stay financially prepared.
FAQs About Universal Credit for Single Parents
Can I claim Universal Credit if my child starts university?
You can still claim Universal Credit, but payments may be reduced as your child will no longer count as a dependent.
How does a maintenance loan affect my Universal Credit?
Maintenance loans are treated as income and reduce Universal Credit payments on a £1-for-£1 basis.
Can part-time students claim Universal Credit?
Yes, as long as you meet your work-related requirements and remain available for work.
Can I receive childcare support while studying?
Yes, Universal Credit can cover up to 85% of registered childcare costs for eligible claimants.
Are there any grants or discretionary funds for single parents?
Yes, you may qualify for discretionary bursaries, fee grants, or support for travel and study materials.
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