If you are a continuing student and eligible to claim benefits over the summer, make sure you get a benefit check before making any new claim.
Universal Credit has replaced other benefits as of April 2026
Most full-time students are not eligible for Universal Credit; however in certain circumstances you may be able to claim e.g. if you are disabled, have responsibility for a child, or you live with a partner eligible for Universal Credit.
Slowly over a number of years Universal Credit has been rolled out in all regions in the UK. This means that if you are putting a new claim in for any income-based benefit you will have to claim Universal Credit instead of what have been termed “legacy benefits”.
Examples of legacy benefits are Income Support, Jobseekers Allowance, Employment & Support Allowance, Child and Working Tax Credits, and also Housing Benefit, all of which have been replaced by Universal Credit.
Claimants already receiving these legacy benefits have been transferred to Universal Credit. Guidance on the move and what to do if you have received a migration notice can be found on GOV.UK
Benefit checks
As this can be a complex area,we would recommend any continuing student not currently receiving Universal Credit, but considering claiming over the summer break, to make sure you get a benefit check before you make any new claim.
Where to get a benefit check:
Students currently receiving Universal Credit
If you are currently receiving Universal Credit during term time, then it is important to log the end of term in your Universal Credit journal in the month prior to the 'long summer vacation period' beginning. This is because student income (such as loans) is excluded from the award calculation covering the final assessment period (month) of each academic year.
While the DWP should be aware of the end of term date, it is good practice to notify them of this. The aim here is to ensure you recieve the full award you are entitled to over the summer vacation period.
Further information on Universal Credit and Students
GOV.UK