Money, money, money
In this guide:
Under 16s
I’m under 16, are any benefits available for me?
If you’re under 16, the Government provides financial help for your benefit. But, before you start filling your purses and wallets, you should be aware that these benefits are normally paid directly to your mother or anyone acting in her place on your behalf.
So, what’s available?
- Disability Living Allowance
- Child Benefit
- Child Tax Credit
- Maternity Allowances
- Surestart payments
Check out the Definitions on the right for descriptions of these benefits.
I’m under 16 and a mother, does that mean I can receive benefits for my child?
Unfortunately, if you’re under 16 and a mother you can’t receive benefits for your child. Child Benefit and Child Tax Credits will be paid to the household you are a part of – usually to your mother.
If you’re not living at home, benefits will be paid to into the household you are a part of but not to you.
16- to 18-year olds
I’m aged between 16 and 18 and looking for a job, am I entitled to any benefits?
Unfortunately, if you’re aged between 16 and 18 then you do not have an automatic right to Jobseekers Allowance.
If I don’t have an automatic right to Jobseekers Allowance what am I supposed to do?
- Go to Connexions and ask for a form.
- You will need to show on the form that you have been looking for a job AND you’re suffering from severe hardship.
Severe hardship…what’s that and how do I show it?
Normally, it will only be accepted that you’re suffering from severe hardship if you have no family or you don’t have anyone acting in the place of your family. Or, you’ll need to show that your family relationship is so bad that you can’t go to them for help (the fancy term for this is known as “estrangement”).
Ok, I’ve filled in the form, what happens next?
Jobcentre staff will assess your form and make a decision about whether you’re suffering from severe hardship.
The Jobcentre says I’m not suffering from severe hardship what can I do?
Jobcentre staff have a lot of leeway when making decisions (so be nice to them!). This means that their decisions can be hard to challenge BUT it is possible. Contact us for more information.
Post-16 education
I’m a full time student, am I entitled to any benefits?
You may be entitled to Income Support if:
- you’re aged 16-19; AND
- you don’t have a relationship with your family or you’re married; AND
- you’re studying for A-Levels or the equivalent (BTEC).
I’m a part-time student, am I entitled to any benefits?
Yes!
I’m a lone parent, am I entitled to any benefits?
If you’re over the age of 16 and studying full-time you’re entitled to Income Support.
But if you’re studying for a degree or equivalent and you’ve received a student grant or loan, this may affect how much Income Support you’ll get.
I’m disabled, am I entitled to any benefits?
If you’re over the age of 16 and studying full-time you’re entitled to Income Support.
But if you’re studying for a degree or equivalent and you’ve received a student grant or loan, this may affect how much income support you’ll get.
Illness and disability
I’m ill and can’t work, am I entitled to any benefits?
If you’re too ill to work then from the age of 16 you can apply for Incapacity Benefit or Income Support.
How do I qualify for Incapacity Benefit?
- You have to have paid National Insurance contributions for a number of years; or
- Be aged between 16 and 25 AND have certificate signed by your doctor saying that you can’t work for the next six months because of your ill health.
In reality is it likely that I’ll qualify for Incapacity Benefit?
You probably won’t qualify for Incapacity Benefit because:
- It’s unlikely (because of your age) that you’ll have paid enough National Insurance contributions in the past.
- It’s quite difficult to get a doctor’s certificate saying that you can’t work for six months.
What am I supposed to do if I don’t qualify for Incapacity Benefit?
You can apply for Income Support on the basis of your incapacity.
How can I qualify for Income Support?
- You have to have applied for Incapacity Benefit first.
- You need to supply a doctor’s certificate which says you’re not able to work.
My mum has been claiming Disability Living Allowance for me, but now I’m 16 what happens?
If you’re aged between 16 and 18 and your mum was receiving Disability Living Allowance for you before you were 16, then you need to decide whether she’ll carry on claiming or whether you will be claiming. Bear in mind that any decision that your mother will receive your benefit for you needs to be approved by the Department for Work and Pensions.
I’m over the age of 16 and now need help with my personal care or need supervising or need help getting around because of my disability, what happens?
If you’re aged between 16 and 18 you could be entitled to Disability Living Allowance. Normally, this will be paid directly to you but if you have difficulty managing letters for example, the Department for Work and Pensions might decide that your carer should be responsible for your claim on your behalf.
I look after my ill parent can I receive any financial help?
If you’re over the age of 16 and look after someone (such as your mum or dad) who is ill, you may be entitled to Carer’s Allowance.
If you’re under the age of 16 you’re not entitled to carer’s allowance
I’m 16 (or over), how do I qualify for Carer’s Allowance?
The person you’re caring for must receive a benefit called Attendance Allowance or receive the highest or middle rate for the care part of Disability Living Allowance.
Do I need to tell the person I’m caring for that I’m thinking about claiming Carer’s Allowance?
By law you don’t have to, but you really should discuss with the person you are looking after that you’re considering claiming.
Why should I tell them I’m thinking about claiming Carer’s Allowance?
Your claim may affect their benefits entitlement. By telling them, you can arrange a proper benefits check with the help of an organisation such as the Citizens Advice Bureau.
I’m 18, what happens to my benefits entitlement now?
After the age of 18, generally the benefits available to you are the same as the rest of the working population.
BUT
If you are in full-time education, certain rules apply up to your 19th birthday
You may be able to go onto Incapacity Benefit for long term incapacity up to the age of 25
Income based jobseekers allowance is £7 per week less until you’re 25
For more advice, contact Glenn Craig on 01206 578282.
Useful organisations
Citizens Advice Bureau
Look in the yellow pages, visit your local library or visit www.adviceguide.org.uk for details of your nearest office
Definitions
Disability Living Allowance
A benefit paid to someone who has a disability and needs help with personal care or has difficulty walking or getting around.
Child Benefit
A benefit paid to most people with children. There is no need to have paid any National Insurance contributions to get Child Benefit and it does not matter how much money is coming in to the household.
Child Tax Credit
A payment for people with children, whether the person is in or out of work. The person has to have a low enough income and be responsible for at least one child. The person will get money from Child Tax Credit for each child.
Maternity Allowance
A benefit for women who have been working but who do not meet the work and earnings conditions for Statutory Maternity Pay.
People who are not working and are pregnant but have worked for an employer for at least six months may be entitled to Maternity Allowance.
omen who are working and are pregnant can receive Statutory Maternity Pay from their employer.
Jobseekers Allowance
If someone is looking for work, they usually claim this welfare benefit. It provides some money towards living costs such as food. If someone receives Jobseekers Allowance, they are then normally entitled to the full amount of help available from Housing Benefit (to pay for their rent) and also Council Tax Benefit (to pay for their council tax).
Income Support
A benefit paid to certain groups of people who do not have enough money to live on.
Incapacity Benefit
A benefit payable to someone who is too ill to work for six months and has paid enough National Insurance contributions.
Carer’s Allowance
A benefit for people who are giving regular and substantial care to disabled people in their own homes.
Attendance Allowance
A benefit for people with care needs who are over 65.