What benefits can I get?

Most students cannot claim welfare benefits, as student loan income is taken into account. However there are some other ways to minimise your costs:

NHS exemptions

Students don't automatically get free NHS cover, but under the NHS Low Income Scheme you could get money off dental treatment.

The awards are means-tested, which means they depend on your income. All students – including international and EU students – can apply.

To do so, you have to fill in a HC1 form, which you can get from the University's Health Centre, your dentist or your benefits office. Remember to include a copy of your Student Finance Notification with your application.

Council tax exemption

Full-time students are exempt from council tax while studying. If you're living in private accommodation in the boroughs of Kingston, Richmond, Wandsworth or Merton, the University will notify the council of your student status so you do not need to do anything else, although you will need to register with the council. If you're living in private accommodation outside those four boroughs, you need a council tax exemption certificate to prove that you're exempt. You can get these from the Information Centre from mid-October.

If you're living in the University's halls of residence, you won't have to provide a council tax exemption form as halls of residence are classed as exempt dwellings. You can get more information from the National Union of Students (NUS).

Other benefits

If you're a part-time student or have dependants, you might also be eligible for other benefits.