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Scotland

Help to pay rent if you're a student

If you’re studying full-time, you’re not usually eligible for benefits to pay your rent, such as Universal Credit or Housing Benefit. There are some exceptions.

If you cannot pay your rent, get money and debt advice. You could get help to pay debts, increase your income and reduce your costs.

Check our guidance on getting money and debt advice.

Getting Universal Credit

You could get Universal Credit if you’re a student and you're:

  • studying part-time

  • disabled

  • responsible for a child

  • getting Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance

  • 20 years old or under, and doing a non-higher education course such as Highers

  • getting a State Pension

  • leaving your course temporarily because of illness or caring responsibilities

If you live with someone who gets Universal Credit

If you live with a partner who is not a student, they could get Universal Credit.

Your income will be counted as part of their claim. This includes any student grants or loans you get.

Getting Housing Benefit

Most people cannot make a new application for Housing Benefit. You’ll need to apply for Universal Credit instead.

If you already get Housing Benefit when you start studying, you could continue getting it. To see if you're eligible, check the Turn2Us guidance on Housing Benefit for students.

Getting other money help

To check if you’re eligible for benefits, use the Turn2Us benefits calculator.

For more detailed advice, speak to a benefits advisor at your local Citizens Advice. You can also get advice from the student association at your university or college.

Check on Student Information Scotland to see what extra financial help for students you could get.

You could get financial help through charitable grants. Search on the Turn2Us grant search.

Last updated: 4 October 2022

Housing laws differ between Scotland and England.

This content applies to Scotland only.

Get advice if you're in England