Universal Credit (UC) is a vital financial support system for millions of UK households. However, changes in household circumstances such as a child starting an apprenticeship can directly impact eligibility and benefit amounts.
For many parents, a key question arises: Do I still get Universal Credit if my child is on an apprenticeship?
This blog provides a detailed look at how apprenticeships affect Universal Credit claims, especially in relation to the child element and overall household income.
What is Universal Credit and Who Qualifies for It in the UK?
Universal Credit is a benefit designed to support individuals and families with low or no income, helping with living costs.
It combines several older benefits into a single monthly payment and is based on household income, savings, and circumstances.
Eligibility depends on a number of factors including age, residency status, financial situation, and household makeup. To qualify, a claimant must:
- Be aged 18 or over (with some exceptions for 16–17-year-olds in special circumstances)
- Live in the UK and have the right to reside
- Have less than £16,000 in savings
- Be on a low income or out of work
Universal Credit is calculated using your total household income, which includes wages, pensions, other benefits, and income from other household members.
Children within the household are considered dependents only under specific conditions, and their status can impact how much you receive.
When a child turns 16 or leaves school or college, it’s vital to re-assess whether they are still classed as a dependent for Universal Credit purposes. This status can change quickly if they start working or begin an apprenticeship.
How Are Children on Apprenticeships Classified Under Universal Credit?
When your child starts an apprenticeship, their classification within your Universal Credit claim may change.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) uses specific criteria to determine whether a young person should still be regarded as a dependent.
A child under 20 may be considered a dependent if they are in full-time non-advanced education or approved training.
Examples include A-levels, T-levels, and some BTEC qualifications. However, apprenticeships are not generally considered full-time non-advanced education under DWP guidelines.
If your child begins a standard apprenticeship, they are typically:
- Considered to have left education
- Receiving a wage
- Working a set number of hours each week
- Under contract with a training provider and employer
This means they are no longer dependent on you for financial support in the same way. Therefore, the DWP treats them as an independent working young person, which has implications for your Universal Credit entitlement.
Does a Child’s Apprenticeship Income Affect My Universal Credit Claim?
Yes, in many cases, the Universal Credit payment you receive will be affected when your child starts an apprenticeship.
Since your child is no longer regarded as a dependent, you will likely lose the child element of your claim.
This change is not automatic. You must inform the DWP by reporting a change in circumstances through your online Universal Credit journal. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments, which the DWP will recover.
Once your child is classified as an independent apprentice:
- You will no longer receive the child element for them
- Their income is not counted against your claim, but it no longer supports a dependent status
- The overall Universal Credit amount you receive may decrease
If your child meets certain criteria, they may be eligible to make their own Universal Credit claim. For this to happen, they must:
- Have a named training provider
- Be working toward a recognised qualification
- Be paid at least the National Minimum Wage for apprentices
In this case, the apprentice’s income becomes part of the overall household income but does not reinstate your eligibility for the child element.
What Are the Rules for 16–19-Year-Olds in Apprenticeships?
The classification of 16–19-year-olds under Universal Credit becomes particularly important when they transition from full-time education to a government-approved apprenticeship. The change in their educational or employment status can significantly affect whether they’re still considered a dependent for benefit purposes.
Understanding Dependent vs. Independent Status
A young person aged 16 to 19 is generally considered a dependent only if they are in full-time, non-advanced education or approved training. This includes studying for qualifications such as A-levels, T-levels, BTECs, or other similar courses. These courses must be non-advanced and full-time, typically provided by a recognised educational institution.
However, apprenticeships fall outside this category. Even though they include a training element, apprenticeships are legally classed as work-based learning, and most apprentices are treated as employees. That distinction plays a critical role in how the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) treats them for Universal Credit eligibility.
Criteria for Being a Dependent (16–19-Year-Olds)
To be considered a dependent child under Universal Credit rules, the young person must:
- Be under the age of 20
- Be in full-time non-advanced education or approved unpaid training
- Not be receiving a wage or working in a paid employment setting
- Still be financially reliant on the parent or guardian
Once the young person enters an apprenticeship that pays a wage, they are seen as financially independent. This shift removes them from the list of dependents in a parent’s Universal Credit claim.
What Counts as an Apprenticeship?
A recognised apprenticeship typically includes the following:
- Employment with an organisation or business
- A training contract between the apprentice and a registered provider
- Work towards a nationally recognised qualification, such as an NVQ or diploma
- A structured combination of on-the-job learning and off-the-job training
- Receipt of at least the National Minimum Wage for apprentices
These conditions mean that an apprenticeship is fundamentally different from traditional education routes and is therefore assessed differently by the DWP.
Exceptions: When Might a Young Apprentice Still Be a Dependent?
There are limited exceptions where a 16–19-year-old on an apprenticeship might still qualify as a dependent, but these are uncommon. For instance:
- The apprenticeship is unpaid and falls under a DWP-approved training scheme
- The training does not include a work contract or wage
- The young person is still enrolled with an educational institution as their main provider
In such rare cases, it is essential to provide full documentation to the DWP, including details of the training provider, course structure, and payment terms. Most standard apprenticeships do not meet these criteria.
Implications for Universal Credit and Parental Claims
Once your child starts an apprenticeship and is no longer considered a dependent, the following changes typically occur:
- The child element is removed from your Universal Credit claim
- Your household composition changes, which may affect other parts of your benefit (e.g., housing element)
- Your child may become eligible to apply for their own Universal Credit claim
It is your responsibility to inform the DWP as soon as this transition occurs. Delays in reporting can lead to overpayments, which the DWP will later recover.
Summary of 16–19-Year-Olds and Apprenticeships
| Age | In Full-Time Education | On a Paid Apprenticeship | Considered Dependent? |
| 16 | Yes | No | Yes if still in education |
| 17 | Yes | No | Yes if in non-advanced education |
| 18 | Possibly | Yes | No if on a paid apprenticeship |
| 19 | Rarely | Yes | No unless in unpaid approved training |
Understanding the exact nature of your child’s post-16 education or training pathway is crucial in determining your continued eligibility for Universal Credit elements related to dependent children.
If in doubt, it’s best to consult directly with the Universal Credit helpline or update your journal with specific details and request clarification from your caseworker.
Can I Still Claim the Child Element of Universal Credit if My Child Is on an Apprenticeship?
In most cases, the child element of Universal Credit stops when your child begins an apprenticeship.
This is because apprentices are classified as young adults who are independently earning, rather than children in education.
The DWP will no longer consider your child part of your claim if:
- They are 16 or over
- They have left full-time non-advanced education
- They are employed as an apprentice
- They earn at least the National Minimum Wage for apprentices
Some parents mistakenly assume that if their child is still living at home or financially dependent, they can continue claiming the child element.
Unfortunately, Universal Credit rules are not based on household contributions but rather on official status.
Table: Eligibility for Child Element Based on Young Person’s Status
| Young Person’s Situation | Eligible for Child Element? |
| In full-time education (A-levels) | Yes |
| On standard apprenticeship | No |
| In unpaid approved training | Possibly (check with DWP) |
| In full-time employment | No |
It is important to note that eligibility can vary slightly if the apprenticeship is unpaid and includes an education component. In these rare cases, it’s advisable to speak directly with a Universal Credit adviser.
Will My Housing Benefit or Other Elements Be Affected?
When the child element is removed, it may have a knock-on effect on other parts of your Universal Credit payment.
The housing costs element, in particular, may be reduced if your household size changes due to the loss of a dependent.
If your child is no longer classed as part of your household:
- The size criteria for social housing may change, leading to a reduction in housing benefit
- Your entitlement to Council Tax Reduction through your local authority may also be adjusted
- Other benefits such as free prescriptions or school meal eligibility for younger children could be indirectly affected
While the apprentice’s income is not directly counted against your UC claim, the removal of their dependent status does alter your overall household composition. This can impact the size-related entitlements you receive for housing and living costs.
It’s important to log this change in your Universal Credit account and to check with your local authority regarding other forms of support, particularly if you receive Council Tax Reduction or Discretionary Housing Payment.
What Should You Do If Your Child Starts an Apprenticeship?
The first and most important action is to report the change in circumstances to the DWP. You must do this via your Universal Credit journal as soon as your child officially starts their apprenticeship.
When updating your claim, be prepared to provide:
- Name and address of the apprenticeship provider
- Start date of the apprenticeship
- Type of qualification they are working towards
- Whether they are paid, and if so, the amount and frequency of pay
The DWP will use this information to determine if your child still meets the criteria for the child element. If not, the payment will be recalculated, and your entitlement will change from the following assessment period.
Once your child is removed from your claim, they may submit their own application for Universal Credit if they meet the standard conditions.
This could still benefit the household, especially if they continue to live at home and contribute to living costs.
Conclusion
When your child begins an apprenticeship, their status changes in the eyes of the DWP, which usually results in the loss of the child element in your Universal Credit claim.
It’s essential to report this change promptly and understand how it impacts your overall entitlement.
While you may lose some benefits, your child may be able to claim Universal Credit themselves, contributing to the household.
Staying informed ensures you’re receiving the correct support without risking overpayments or sanctions.
FAQs About Universal Credit and Apprenticeships
What is considered non-advanced education for Universal Credit?
Non-advanced education typically includes A-levels, T-levels, BTECs, and GCSEs. Apprenticeships do not usually count unless unpaid and structured as approved training.
Does Universal Credit stop automatically when a child starts earning?
No, but you are required to report the change. If not reported, overpayments may occur and lead to repayment demands or sanctions.
Can parents claim any benefits when their child is an apprentice?
Parents generally lose the child element but may still be eligible for other parts of Universal Credit based on income, rent, and other factors.
Is there a minimum apprenticeship wage that affects benefits?
Yes. The apprentice must earn at least the National Minimum Wage for apprentices to potentially qualify for their own Universal Credit.
Do 18-year-olds still count as dependents in full-time training?
They can, if they’re in non-advanced full-time education. However, if in an apprenticeship, they usually do not count as a dependent.
Can I get Child Benefit if my child is on an apprenticeship?
Only if the apprenticeship qualifies as approved training under HMRC rules. This usually includes unpaid apprenticeships with structured learning.
How do I inform Universal Credit about my child’s apprenticeship?
Log into your online Universal Credit account and use the “Report a Change” section. Provide all requested details about the apprenticeship.
Related Blogs:
- Can You Get Universal Credit as a Student in 2025?
- Is Universal Credit Taxable or Tax-Free? | Everything You Need to Know
- Universal Credit Advance Payment Reasons And Eligibility Rules
- Can Universal Credit Be Backdated for Missed Applications or Delays?
- Non Dependant Deductions Universal Credit: Rules, Exceptions And Rates
