Structure of the Handbook

Part 1 looks at students’ entitlement to student support. Part 2 covers students’ entitlement to benefits and tax credits. Part 3 considers how income affects the amount of benefits or tax credits, with a particular focus on how student support is treated. Part 4 covers other matters, such as council tax and taking time out from studying.

Chapters are endnoted with references to the legal authorities. Where an abbreviation is used in the endnotes or in the text, that is explained in Appendix 3 and on here. If you are appealing against a benefit or tax credit decision, you may want to refer to the law. Appendix 1 suggests where you can obtain copies of Acts, regulations and caselaw.