Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of Student Awards Agency Scotland (a) loans and (b) grants on levels of entitlement to Universal Credit.

Most people in full-time education are excluded from Universal Credit because financial support for students comes from the system of student loans and grants designed for their needs. The level of that support is a matter for the Department of Education and the Devolved Governments.

If an eligible student makes a claim to Universal Credit any loan or grant which provides for the student's basic maintenance is taken into account as income. Student income which covers additional costs, such as tuition fees and books, is disregarded.