Frank & Honest

• Life »
• Benefits:

Common Benefits

Lots of elements of the benefit system change over time – for example, types of benefits available and the eligibility criteria. This page is only intended as an introduction – please check with your local benefits office for up to date information.

Income Support
If you’re over 16 and unable to work because you’re a lone parent, a parent who has to stay at home and look after your children, registered as a disabled person, or you’re responsible for the care of a relative who is disabled you may be eligible for Income Support.

Job Seekers Allowance
Job Seeker’s Allowance is a benefit open to most people over the age of 18 who are unemployed but looking for work. You could also be eligible if you have a job where you work less than 16 hours every week. If you’re 16 or 17, you will only be able to claim it in exceptional circumstances.

Housing Benefit
You can claim Housing Benefit to help pay for your rent if your income and savings are below a certain level. If you’re single and aged under 25 you can only get Housing Benefit for bed-sit accommodation or a room in shared accommodation. You cannot get Housing Benefit to cover your rent if you are staying with your parents or other close relatives. You won’t usually be able to claim if you’re a full-time student unless you’re disabled or have children, but it’s still worth checking. You may also be able to get a reduction or refund on Council Tax.

Working Tax Credit
Working Tax Credit is a weekly payment to help towards your living costs. It’s mainly available for people who are over 25, but if you’re aged 16 or over and have children or a disability that affects your ability to work or look for work, you may also be able to claim it.

Child tax credit and benefits for young parents
Child Tax Credit is a weekly payment to help towards your living costs if you’re 16 or over and have full responsibility for looking after a child (even if you’re not the parent). How much you get depends on how many children you’re responsible for, whether you live alone and the child’s age. There are extra payments if the child is disabled.

If you’re under 20 you may also be able to get financial help with your childcare if you’re in college, at school or taking part in a work-based learning programme from the Care to Learn scheme. You can also apply for child benefit, although this may affect the amount of other benefits you can get

Carers Allowance
This is the main benefit for carers on a low income who spend more than 35 hours a week caring for someone who gets certain disability benefits. You can claim this from 16 years old +

Disability Living Allowance
For anyone under 65 (including under 16s) who are severely disabled and need help with personal care and/or mobility. You can also claim this on behalf of a disabled child if you’re responsible for their care.

Employment and Support Allowance
If you’re over 16 and have an illness or disability which affects your ability to work, you may be able to apply for Employment and Support Allowance. You’re usually only able to claim this if you’ve paid enough National Insurance contributions during your working life. However, you may still receive it if you’re under 25 and satisfy certain conditions.

The Social Fund
You may be able to get financial help for some unexpected payments if you’re already claiming Income Support, Job Seeker’s Allowance and some other benefits. These include budgeting loans, crisis loans and maternity grants if you’re having a baby.

Click here for Frank and Honest’s ‘Benefits – An Introduction’ info page.

Links and Contact Details

Name: Citizens Advice Bureau
Web: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Info: Citizens Advice Bureaux provide free, confidential and independent advice from over 3,000 locations including in bureaux, GP surgeries, hospitals, colleges, prisons and courts.

Name: Job Centre Plus
Web: www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk
Tel: 0800 055 6688
Info: Jobcentre Plus is a government agency supporting people of working age from welfare into work, and helping employers to fill their vacancies. They also responsible for paying out certain benefits

Name: Direct Gov
Web: www.direct.gov.uk
Info: Directgov is the website of the UK government. It provides information and online services for the public all in one place.

Frankandhonest.com is brought to you by ASK Education & Training Ltd. We provide training for young people and organisations working with young people. This site was created in response to countless requests from young people for a place to get answers.