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If you are unemployed
Not working? Unsure what benefits you're entitled to?
Check out the facts here.
Warning: The situation is complicated and decisions are based on individuals so find out more about your own situation from your personal adviser, local Connexions Centre or Jobcentre plus. The information here is a brief guide your personal adviser will be able to help you find out more details.
If you have just left school or college and are under 18
Child Benefit
If you start work or training after Year 11, your parents/carers will carry on getting Child Benefit for you until the end of August.
If you have not started a job or training by then, they can claim 'extended Child Benefit' for you, but only if you have "registered" with your local Connexions Centre.
'Extended Child Benefit' can last for up to 20 weeks from when you left school; it finishes as soon as you start a job or training.
If you start in E2E (Entry to Employment) or on a Programme Led Pathway (where you are not employed), or if you stay in full time education (not higher education) your parents will continue to get Child Benefit for you, along with any funding they receive for you from other benefits.
Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
This is not usually available to young people under 18.
However there are some under 18s who can get Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance. This is usually because of special circumstances such as:
- being forced to live away from home and suffering severe hardship as a result
- being part of a couple who are responsible for a child.
Your personal adviser will be able to help you find out more about this and fill out the forms you need to apply for JSA.
Income Support
There are specific rules and regulations about who is able to claim income support. It is not usually available to 16/17 year olds however If you are 16 / 17 you may be able to claim if you have left school or college and are:
- Single parent
- Incapable of work
- Caring for someone who is claiming a means tested benefit
- Registered blind
- Pregnant and incapable of work because of the pregnancy
Rules and regulations are complicated. Ask for help from your personal adviser if you are not sure what you are entitled to.
Housing Benefit
If you are on benefits or a low income and live in rented accomodation or lodgings you may be able to get help towards your housing costs.
If you are receiving Jobseekers Allowance or Income Support will get forms to claim Housing Benefit in your claim pack.
If you are not claiming these benefits you can get the forms for Housing Benefit from your local council.
See section on housing benefit for more information.
If you are over 18 and unemployed
Jobseeker's Allowance
You may be able to claim Jobseeker's Allowance if you are unemployed and actively looking for a job. To make a claim and find out more go to your local Jobcentre Plus.
You may also be entitled to help with your housing costs.
If you are claiming for over 6 months you may be entitled to join the New Deal for Young People. You can find out more from your local Jobcentre Plus.
Housing benefit
If you are on a low income or benefits and live in rented accommodation or lodgings you may be able to claim housing benefit.
Housing benefit is designed to help with accommodation costs. You may not receive all the cost of your rent. Housing benefit is not designed to cover the cost of your bills such as water, electricity, gas etc
Generally students on full time courses cannot apply for housing benefit.
To make an application contact the housing department of your local council. If you are making a claim for Jobseekers Allowance you will receive housing benefit claim forms in your pack.
Council Tax Benefit
If you are eligible to pay council tax you may be able to get some help towards the cost of this if you are on a low income or benefits.
You can get a claim form from your local council or as part of the pack when you sign on.
To find out more information on benefits, what you may be entitled to and how to make a claim talk to your personal adviser or ask at your local Jobcentre Plus.
