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Benefits

The whole area of benefits for young people can be really complicated and confusing!

Turn2Us is a useful site if you want to know what benefits you will be entitled to and how to calculate what you should get. It will ask a series of questions and keep a running log of your answers before doing a calculation.

Basically, most 16 and 17 year olds aren't entitled to many benefits. Young people are expected either to be supported by parents, or be in education, full time employment or some sort of training. However, depending on your circumstances you may be able to qualify for some benefits, so it's always best to check with a Personal Adviser if you think you might be eligible. This is particularly relevant for 16/17 year olds who don't live at home, have been in care or are on a training programme.

If you are 16 or 17 and visit your Job Centre someone will call you back within 4 hours to discuss your situation. All Job Centre advisers will be able to help you find out what you are entitled to and guide you through filling in a claim form. If you are 18 or 19 an adviser will contact you within 24 hours. The more information you can give an adviser about your situation and financial circumstances, the easier it will be for them to judge what you're eligible for.

Once you reach 18, the normal rules for adults apply. If you are unemployed and available for work you can claim Jobseeker's Allowance. If you’re not available for work because you are disabled, too sick to work or a single parent, you would receive Income Support. In order to claim either of these benefits, you must go to your local Jobcentre Plus office or you can ring their benefits helpline on 0845 602 6710. You can also speak to them about other benefits you might be entitled to.

Jobseeker's Allowance

JSA is a benefit open to most people over the age of 18 who are unemployed but looking for work. You could also be eligible if you have a job and work less than 16 hours a week. You will be entitled to £51.85 a week.

If you are 16 or 17, you will only be able to claim JSA in exceptional circumstances such as estrangement from your family leading to severe hardship. If this is the case, contact your local Job Centre.

Income Support

If you can't be available for full-time work and don't have enough money to live on, you may be able to get Income Support benefit. You are eligible if you are a lone parent, registered sick or disabled, if you are a student and sick or disabled, if you are a carer for someone who is sick or elderly and if you aren't working or work less than 16 hours a week. How much you get varies on your circumstances, and it is paid directly into your bank account.

Housing Benefit

Housing Benefit is for those who have a low income and are struggling to pay rent. It is paid by your local authority regardless of whether you are available for, or in, full time work. It may not cover the full amount of rent you are paying. If you are living in accommodation as a single person, the maximum Housing Benefit you can get is the 'Average Local Reference Rent' for a bedsit. This means the maximum you can get is enough to cover the average priced bedsit in your area. Often if your accommodation costs more, you have to make up the difference yourself. It doesn't cover bills. It's paid directly into your bank account or direct to the landlord. Forms are available from your local authority Housing Department.

Council Tax Benefit

Council Tax Benefit is to help pay some or all of your Council Tax for those on a low income. The local council pays it and it doesn't matter if you get other benefits or if you already get a discount for living alone. To qualify you need to be on a fairly low income and have less than £16,000 in savings.

Full-time students don't usually have to pay Council Tax.

Young parents

You can get financial help with your childcare if you are in college, at school or taking part in a work-based learning programme from the Care to Learn scheme.

Download Benefit Rates leaflet (105kb)