Help to pay rent if you're a student

If you’re studying full-time, you usually cannot get benefits to pay your rent. 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.

If you have unpaid rent, check our advice on dealing with rent arrears.

Universal Credit for students

Full-time students are usually not eligible for Universal Credit. Check the Turn2Us guidance on who counts as a full-time student.

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

• studying part-time

• getting certain disability benefits

• responsible for a child

• under 21 and doing a non-higher education course such as Highers

• getting a State Pension

• waiting to return to your course after you left temporarily because of illness or caring responsibilities

If you study part-time, check the Turn2Us guidance for part-time students.

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.

Housing Benefit for students

Housing costs are included in a Universal Credit claim. Most people cannot make a new application for Housing Benefit.

If you already get Housing Benefit when you start studying, you could continue getting it. Check the Citizens Advice guidance on Housing Benefit.

If you have reached state pension age and you’re a student, you may be able to get housing benefit.

If you live in temporary or supported housing and you’re a student, you may be able to get Housing Benefit if you are:

• studying part-time

• getting certain disability benefits

• responsible for a child and you are a single parent or carer, or both of you are full time students

• under 22 and doing a non-higher education course such as Highers

• waiting to return to your course after you left temporarily because of illness or caring responsibilities

You could get Housing Benefit in other situations. Get advice from a benefits adviser at your local Citizens Advice or at your university or college.

If you live with someone who gets Housing Benefit

If you live with a partner who is not a student, they could include you in their Housing Benefit claim.

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

Getting other money help

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

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

If you’re disabled, get advice about disability benefits for students from Lead Scotland Disabled Students’ Helpline.

Check the Student Information Scotland guidance on financial help for students.

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