Benefits and Tax Credits

Welfare benefits are either ‘means-tested’ or ‘non means-tested’ and, whereas student funding runs with the academic year, welfare benefits are  generally altered with the tax year – 6 April to 5 April.

Welfare benefits are administered by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) in England, Wales and Scotland, through Jobcentre Plus Offices and the Disability and Carers Service, and through the Social Security Agency in Northern Ireland.

Housing and Council Tax Benefits are administered by your local council in England, Wales and Scotland. Check the Social Security Agency in Northern Ireland website for details of how to apply for Housing Benefit in Northern Ireland. Housing Benefit in Northern Ireland covers rate rebates as well as help with rent but there is also an additional rate relief scheme from April 2008.

Tax Credits and Child Benefit are administered by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). As with welfare benefits Tax Credits and Child Benefit are the same across the UK and are altered with the tax year – 6 April to 5 April.

You’re not excluded from claiming Child Benefit or Tax Credits simply because you’re a full-time student.

Tax Credit awards are assessed on your income in the previous tax year. This can lead to under or overpayments. So tell the HMRC immediately if your income changes or of any other  relevant changes in your circumstances. Make a note of when you called and who you spoke to and keep copies of all correspondence.

Tax Credit applications need to be renewed for each tax year.

If you are an EEA or International Student there is detailed information on the UKCISA Website about your position with regard to Welfare benefits and Tax Credits.