§ Mr. LesterTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security in what circumstances(a) full-time students/ trainees and (b) part-time students/trainees would be eligible for (i) income support and (ii) housing benefit.
§ Mr. Peter LloydStudents who are disabled, or lone parents, are eligible for income support while attending full, or part-time courses. Other full-time students can claim only during the summer vacation. Those attending part-time courses can claim income support providing they are available for employment.
All trainees exempt for the requirement to be available for work, including those in receipt of a Government training allowance, are eligible for income support. Other trainees aged 18 or over may qualify for income support only if they are available for work.
Students and trainees may claim housing benefit throughout the year for the home which they occupy, as long as it is not rented from their education establishment. Students and trainees receiving income support are eligible for maximum housing benefit for their rent and rates.