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Written question asked by Martyn Day (Scottish National Party) on Tuesday, 23 April 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 25 April 2024. It was answered by Mims Davies (Conservative) on Wednesday, 1 May 2024 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Carer's Allowance: Students

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of removing the 21 hour study rule from the eligibility criteria for Carer’s Allowance.

Answer

This Government recognises and appreciates the vital contribution made by informal carers. With respect to full-time education, the Government believes that this should be supported by the educational maintenance system. That is why, as a general principle, full-time students are precluded from entitlement to income-related and income-maintenance benefits, including Carer’s Allowance.

Educational institutions decide which young people receive bursaries or other support and determine the level of financial support they receive. They develop their own eligibility criteria for access to the discretionary bursary fund, including setting a household income threshold appropriate to their area, and must publish this information for their students. Arrangements may differ across the United Kingdom.

In England, for example, over £160 million of bursary funding has been allocated in the 2023/24 academic year to institutions to help disadvantaged 16- to 19-year-olds with the costs of taking part in education. This is nearly 12% higher than published allocations for last year. The Department for Education has also made available £20 million each year in England specifically to support students in defined vulnerable groups.

Carer’s Allowance is a devolved benefit in Scotland.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
23254
Session
2023-24
Subjects
Students Carer's allowance
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk