Money to work, seek work or unable to work

Job Seekers Allowance (JSA)/Severe Hardship

Most 16/17 year olds are not able to get 'unemployment' benefits. There are a few exceptions, for example, if you have to live away from your parent(s) or will face severe hardship. You will need to go to your local Connexions Centre for a claim form first and then to Jobcentre Plus. 

Income Support

Some young people may be able to get income support. This means you can get benefit and not have to sign on to look for work or training. For example:

·     You are 16 or 17 and in relevant full-time education (course at level 3 or below) and have to live away from parents or anyone acting as parents; or

·     You are a lone parent; or

·     You are a disabled worker or student.

Housing Benefit & Council Tax Benefit

Your local council will deal with both these benefits. 

Housing benefit helps with rent but does not cover all housing costs. It is sometimes called rent rebate or rent allowance. It is available to those who pay rent and are on a low income. It doesn’t matter if you do not get any other kind of benefits. If you are under 18, you do not have to pay council tax.

The rules for these benefits are complicated, so it is a good idea to get advice. 

Children’s Tax Credit

This is for people who are responsible for at least one child under school leaving age or a young person under 19 years old who continues in full-time education. (This does not apply to those on higher education courses).  It now includes those on e2e and Programme Led Apprenticeships. The amount a parent gets depends on yearly income.

Working Tax Credit

This is for people who are in paid work for at least 16 hours per week. The amount you get depends on your yearly income. There is a childcare element within this, which means you may be able to get help with childcare costs.

Bridging Allowance

This was scrapped very recently. It was for 16 and 17 year olds who had spent some time in work or training since leaving full-time education.