INCOME SUPPORT IF YOU ARE 16 -19
See also: claiming Income Support, claiming JSA
In order to claim Income Support, you must be in one of the groups listed here. If you are in 'relevant education' or approved training (*see note below) you must fulfil one of these conditions:
- you cannot live with your parents / guardian because you are estranged from them (e.g. they have kicked you out or you are in physical or moral danger or there is a serious risk to your physical or mental health if you stay
- you have a child for whom you can claim child benefit
- you have a disability
- you have no living parents or guardian
- you have left care and you cannot live with your parents (but if you were in care for 13 weeks or more since the age of 14 you might not be able to claim - seek advice if this affects you)
- you live apart from your parents and they cannot support you (because e.g. they are ill or disabled, in prison or can't come to this country because of immigration laws)
- you are a refugee or have limited leave to enter or remain in the UK and you are learning English at least 15 hours a week (for 9 months only during your first year in Great Britain)
* Note: relevant education means you are studying at school or college for more than 12 hours a week not above 'A' level or equivalent. You also qualify up to the end of the holiday after the last term you were in education, even if you only attended for one or two days in that term. If you will be 20 before your course ends, get further information first. 'Approved' training is on Entry to Employment or Programme-led Pathways courses.
If you have left home or been kicked out, it is important that you do not give up your education as well, as you will need to be in relevant education or 'approved' training to get Income Support (unless you qualify for another reason).
To make a claim
You will have to talk to someone from the Young Person's Section of Jobcentre Plus - phone first to make an appointment. At the interview you'll be asked why you cannot live at home. Your own evidence should normally be believed. If supporting evidence is needed this can be sought from a third party (e.g. a support worker or teacher) you have contact with. There is no need for confirmation from your parents.
If you tell them you have been abused at home they may want to tell Social Services or the police about it. Normally they do not do this without your permission, but they may do so if they think the abuse is serious.
If you need money to live on immediately apply for a crisis loan - see money for emergencies.