There are a range of benefits and tax credits to help people on low incomes and, depending on your situation, you might be able to make a claim. Talk to your Personal Adviser in the Connexions Centre to find out more.
Here’s some information on the main ones available to young people: If you're over 16 you might be eligible to claim if:
- You’re looking for work
- You're on a low income
- You are registered disabled, or are caring for a child or older person.
Income Support – find out if you might be able to claim Income Support.
Jobseeker's Allowance - Jobseeker's Allowance is mainly for unemployed people over 18 who are looking for work. If you are 16-17 you’ll only be able to claim Jobseeker’s Allowance in exceptional circumstances.
Other benefits…
Child Tax Credit – if you have children, or care for a child you’ll probably qualify for Child Tax Credit, but it will depend on your household income before tax. This quick questionnaire will help to see if you would qualify.
Care to Learn - if you’re a parent under 20, you can get financial help for childcare while you’re at school or college or in work based learning. You can claim Child Benefit for your child too, though this may affect other benefits you claim.
Carer’s Allowance - if you’re over 16 and look after another person who is disabled you might qualify for the Carer’s Allowance. The person you care for must be receiving one of the attendance allowance benefits or disability living allowance.
Housing Benefit - If you don't live at home and are unemployed or on a low wage you might be able to get help with your rent through Housing Benefits if you are living in a single room or bed-sit accommodation.
You'll need to contact the local authority to see if you qualify. Tel 0161 234 5003 (Monday to Friday 8.45am – 5.00pm).
If you are disabled or are responsible for a disabled person these benefits might apply to you:
Employment And Support Allowance - If you're over 16, you may be able to apply for ESA if you have been unable to work due to an illness or a disability.
Disability Living Allowance - You may be able to claim Disability Living Allowance for yourself or on behalf of a disabled child if you're responsible for their care.
Your Personal Adviser will be able to talk to you about these and other benefits that, depending on your circumstances, might be available to you.
You can use the library in your Connexions Centre too as it has information for you to read or take away. You could also go to Weblinx for more useful websites.