3. Carers

If you are a full-time student, you cannot claim universal credit (UC) or get income support while you are looking after someone who is ill or disabled. You cannot usually claim carer’s allowance (CA), but you may be able to if you have had to interrupt your studies and the interruption is not temporary. (Note: if carer support payment (CSP) is rolled out where you live, you cannot make a new claim for CA, but you may be able to claim CSP instead.)

If you are a student carer you may be eligible for CSP, which is rolling out in Scotland gradually (see here).

Part-time students can claim UC and, usually, CA or CSP (if it is rolled out in your area) (see here).

If you are a full-time student, you may have to stop your course while you are caring. If you have to wait to return to it once your caring responsibilities have ended, you can claim UC. You can claim for up to a year until the day from when your institution agrees you can return to your course. You are not eligible if you get a grant or loan during this time.

Students aged 16–18 can apply for a young carer grant (see here).