Youth

What Type of Benefits?

Income Support/Job Seekers Allowance (income based)

MoneyWill not normally be paid to 16 and 17 year olds unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Over 18s who are not working may be entitled to Income Support or JSA depending on their circumstances.

Your local Job Centre or Benefit Agency will be able to advise you.

Housing Benefit

You may be entitled to Housing Benefit which will pay some, or all, of your rent charge if you are on state benefit or have a low income.

You can claim Housing Benefit if you are a Council tenant or renting a flat or bedsit from a private landlord. A pre-tenancy determination can be carried out to let you know if would be entitled to benefit before you agree to take on a private let.

You can claim for Housing Benefit at any of the local Council Offices.

You may not be entitled to benefit if you are a student in full time further education. Your Local Housing Office can advise you.

Council Tax

You will not normally be liable to pay Council Tax until you are 18.

If you live alone you can claim a reduction in your Council Tax.

You may be entitled to claim Council Tax benefit if you are claiming benefits or are on a low income.

Social Fund

You may be able to apply to the social fund for help in paying for furniture and household items which you can't afford. The fund is split into grants and loans, the fund has a limited amount of money and applications will be considered according to need.

CoinsCommunity Care Grant

Anyone on Income Support/JSA (income based) can apply but there is no guarantee you will receive anything.

To apply fill in a SF300 form at the local Benefits Agency.

Budgeting Loan

This is an interest free loan to help pay for bigger items such as a cooker and a bed. You have to have been in Income Support/JSA(income based) for 26 weeks to qualify. This is a loan and will have to be paid back. To apply fill in a SF500 at the benefit office.

Crisis Loan

If you have nothing to live on you can apply. You do not need to be on Income Support or JSA to make a claim. It is interest free but must be paid back.

To apply contact your nearest Benefit Agency.

CoinIf you need advice on Benefits or have had a benefit claim refused you should contact your local Social Work office who can refer you to a Welfare Rights Officer who can help.