§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what benefits are available to students who are(a) pregnant and (b) single mothers; [100121]
(2) what recent representations he has received on the incomes of students and their ineligibility to receive benefits; and if he will make a statement. [100036]
§ Angela EagleMost full time students are not eligible to claim income-related benefits—their primary source of financial support comes from the education system. However, certain students in vulnerable groups, for example lone parents or disabled students, can claim these benefits.
A full time student is not eligible to claim an income-related benefit on the grounds of her pregnancy. However, students who are also working and earning at least £66 a week may qualify for Statutory Maternity pay from her employer, or Maternity Allowance from the Benefits Agency.
If she or her partner were in receipt of Income Support, income based Jobseeker's Allowance, Working Families Tax Credit or the Disabled Person's Tax Credit she would be able to claim a Social Fund Maternity Grant payment.
During the last three months we have received a small number of letters concerning students, their incomes and benefits.