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Jobseeker’s Allowance

Jobseeker’s Allowance is for those who are unemployed or, on average, work less than 16 hours per week. You need to be capable and actively looking for work. You usually need to be over 18 to claim this benefit; however in some circumstances 16 and 17 year olds who are not in full-time education may be able to claim.

If you have had a continuous claim to Jobseekers’ Allowance for six months or more, then you may qualify for the New Deal programme.

Income Support

Income support is a benefit that is available for people with a low income, providing you are not receiving Jobseeker’s Allowance. From 16 onwards you may qualify from this benefit if you:

• are on parental or paternity leave
• are sick or disabled
• are a lone parent
• responsible for care of a relative who is disabled.

You can visit Directgov and your local Jobcentre Plus for additional information or you can speak with a Connexions Personal Adviser.

Housing Benefit

You may be able to claim Housing Benefit if you are:

• living on a low income and have savings less than £16,000
• receiving Income Support
• receiving Jobseekers Allowance
• receiving Employment and Support Allowance.

You usually do not qualify for housing benefit if:

• you live with a close relative
• you are an asylum seeker or are sponsored to be in the UK
• you are a full-time student unless you are disabled or have children
• you have savings of over £16,000.

For further information and to apply for Housing Benefit visit the Directgov website.

Adult Learning Grant (ALG)

ALG is a weekly grant for full-time learners aged 19 or over. It is aimed at helping adults, who are studying full-time with the cost of learning. The grant pays up to £30 per week for those who are studying their first full level 2 or level 3 course, which is equivalent to 5 GCSEs or 2 A levels. Visit the DirectGov website for more information.

Child Tax Credit

If you are 16 or over and have full responsibility of a child then you may be entitled to Child Tax Credit. This is a weekly payment to help cover the costs of living. Visit the DirectGov website for more details.

 

Carer’s Allowance

Are you over 16 and do you spend a minimum of 35 hours a week caring for a relative, friend or neighbour? If so, then you may be able to claim Carer’s Allowance. If you are a young carer you can get support from local young carer groups. Read our article about ‘Being a young carer’ for further information.

Care to Learn

Care to Learn gives financial support to teenage parents who want to continue their education or who are returning to education and need help with the cost of their childcare. Visit our young parents section and read our article on Care to Learn for more information.

Time Off for Study or Training (TfST)

You may be eligible for Time Off for Study or Training (TfST) if you are 16 or 17 and did not get a Level 2 qualification at school such as GCSEs grades A*-C or an NVQ Level 2. The scheme entitles you to reasonable paid time off from work to train for an approved qualification. For additional information visit the Directgov website and search for education and learning.

Employment and Support Allowance

The Employment and Support Allowance gives financial help and support to do appropriate work depending on your illness or disability. Visit the Directgov website for more information.

Disability Living Allowance

Disability Living Allowance is available for yourself or on behalf of a disabled child if you are responsible for their care. This helps with any extra costs you may incur because of your disability. You may be entitled to get Disability Allowance if:

• you have a mental or physical disability
• you have walking difficulties
• you need help caring for yourself.

Visit the Directgov website for further information.

Help lines

• Jobcentre Plus benefit help line - 0845 602 6710.
• Income Support help line: 0800 055 6688 (8am - 6pm Monday to Friday). Textphone: 0800 023 4888.

Useful websites

Department for Work and Pensions
Provides comprehensive information on benefits.

Directgov
Learn about benefits and tax credits, how to get help returning to work, how to claim benefits and what to do about benefit fraud.

Online tools

Turn 2 Us Benefits Checker
Calculate entitlement to means-tested benefits and eligibility to some associated benefits.

Benefits Adviser Online
If you are new to benefits, or already on benefits, the benefits adviser can help you get a benefits estimate or check available benefits to claim.

Check if you qualify for tax credits - quick questionnaire
Use this quick online questionnaire to find out if you're likely to qualify for tax credits.

Citizens Advice Bureau Benefits Calculator
Citizens Advice provides an online calculator to help people identify which social security benefits, or additional benefits, they may be entitled to.

Last updated: 20/06/11

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