§ Mr. ÖpikTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will make a statement on Government policy relating to the consideration of student loans as income in assessment for benefits. [16849]
§ Mr. Keith BradleyThe primary source of funding for students is the student support system, not Social Security benefits. Most full-time students are not eligible for benefits.
It is a condition of the income-related benefits that a person should take up any available income, including a student loan, before having recourse to benefits. Student loan income is subject to a weekly £10 disregard. To ignore completely the availability of a student loan in calculating benefit entitlement would operate unfairly against the majority of students who are not entitled to these benefits, as well as being contrary to the general principles governing income-related benefits.