There are a whole 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
- On a low income
- Are registered disabled, or are caring for a child or older person.
Income Support – is available if you are over 16 and you are registered sick or disabled, or you are a lone parent, or you have to care for someone who is sick or elderly, or you are a student and a lone parent or disabled. To qualify you must not have more than £16000 in savings and not be working or working fewer than 16 hours a week.
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 like you’re forced to live away from your family and facing severe hardship, or you’re part of a couple responsible for a child.
Other benefits…
Education Maintenance Allowance – if you are in or going into further education or work based learning you’ll be able to claim an Education Maintenance Allowance if your household income is below £30810 before tax. You can apply on line, and if you need help contact the EMA Helpline on 0808 10 16219, Monday – Friday 7.00am – 8.00pm.
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.
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 - 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.
Manchester Housing Advice Tel 0161 234 4750 1.30pm – 4.00pm Monday – Friday
Working Tax Credit – you might qualify for this is you are working more than 16 hours a week in a low paid job, where your wage is below a certain level and you have a child or children, or if you have a disability that makes getting employment difficult.
If you are disabled or are responsible for a disabled person these benefits might apply to you …..
Incapacity Benefit - If you're over 16, you may be able to apply for Incapacity Benefit 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.
UK Benefits has basic information on whether you might qualify for particular benefits.
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 Web Linx for more useful websites.