Carers ELEMENT and full time study

jenni2010
jenni2010 Online Community Member Posts: 4 Connected
in Universal Credit (UC)

Can somebody please help. I’ve been claiming carers element on UC since may for my little boy. I started university in September (UC knew about this as I informed them straight away) anyway I’ve had a message in my journal today saying I can’t claim carers element as I’m a full time student? Everything is so conflicting! Although I study, I still care for my son for more than 35 hours a week! 

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  • Trevor_PIP
    Trevor_PIP Online Community Member Posts: 982 Trailblazing
    edited December 8

    @jenni2010

    I have had to look into this and found the following (see bold sentence):-

    If you are a full-time student, you may still be eligible for the carer's element of Universal Credit, but there are specific conditions to consider:-


    You cannot usually claim the carer's element if you are studying full-time, but there are exceptions if you are available for work and studying part-time.

    If you are caring for someone with a disability or health condition, you may qualify for the carer's element, which is currently £198.31 per month.

    It's important to provide evidence of your course and any care responsibilities when applying for Universal Credit Carers Element.

    For more detailed guidance, you can refer to the official UK government website on Universal Credit.

  • jenni2010
    jenni2010 Online Community Member Posts: 4 Connected

    I am in full time university. But I also care for my son. He’s in receipt of DLA. Why have they only just told me this now? This is what I don’t understand? What shall I do? Also thank you for your reply

  • Trevor_PIP
    Trevor_PIP Online Community Member Posts: 982 Trailblazing
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1089500#Comment_1089500

    I cannot comment on how UC works, no experience. I understood your son would be on DLA. What you do is as I have indicated in bold in my first reply. You need to go into detail of the care you provide your son, taking into account your university studies. Obviously you still provide the 35 hours a week. This was stressed in every article I read. Go into detail of the 35 hours of care you do provide your son.

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