GILLIAN MARTIN

MSP
ABERDEENSHIRE
EAST

8th May 2020

Dear Chancellor,

RE: Universal Credits for Students

I am writing to you today to express my deep concerns regarding the current eligibility criteria for Universal
Credit support.

Students across Scotland and the UK are facing untold disruption to their studies and their lives as a result of
the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether it’s the loss of work and pay or being charged for accommodation they
are no longer staying in, there have been a host of constituents raising issues with me.

While I’m pleased that the Scottish Government have recognised these significant challenges and are actively
providing students with the vital support that they need, offering new funding to those experience financial
hardship, I am keen to see this support go further for at least a limited period.

As you will be aware many students are now faced with unemployment over the summer as the bars and
restaurants where they might get seasonal work are closed, along with all large gatherings and festivals being
cancelled where they could earn money during their recess.

For many students seasonal work is crucial and without access to jobs they will need the same assistance that
others with no income are entitled to. I am particularly concerned for students with no parental support, or
who come from very low-income families.

I understand that students in full time education cannot currently apply for universal credit, with only a few
exceptions. I am writing to you today to urge you to include COVID-19 as one of these exceptions allowing
those students most in need to apply for financial support.

Thank you for giving this matter your attention. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Kind regards,

Gillian Martin MSP

S UITE A, U NIT 6, C OLPY B USINESS P ARK , O LDMELDRUM , A BERDEENSHIRE , AB51 0FU

T ELEPHONE : 01651 871750
GILLIAN . MARTIN . MSP @ PARLIAMENT . SCOT