How do student loans affect income-based ESA?
If you’re eligible for a higher education maintenance loan, the Jobcentre will consider some of it as income. The benefit rules allow you a small amount for books and equipment, and you can keep £10 per week towards your living costs. The summer holidays are not included when calculating your income from the loan. It can be complicated to work out the exact amount of ESA you’ll get during term-time; we recommend you visit the Skill website for detailed examples.
