Benefits

Reasons for financial support could be if you: have lost your job or are looking for work; are disabled or ill; or are caring for another person. This system of payments is usually known as 'benefits'.

For many of the possible benefits, your savings (and income, if any) is taken into account.

Possible benefits and examples of when you might be eligible to claim

• Income Support - may be payable if you're 16+, are unable to work full time and are registered disabled, a lone parent or forced to live away from home.
• Job Seekers Allowance - usually only available if you are aged 18 or over and capable of work, but currently unemployed. At 16 or 17, you need to be in severe financial difficulties.
• Housing benefit - if you pay rent and are a lone parent or in receipt of other benefits, for instance, you may be eligible. You can't usually claim if you're living with your parents or are a full time student.
• Employment and support allowance - you may be able to get this if you have an illness or disability which affects your ability to work.
• If you are disabled, there may be several other benefits you are entitled to, like Disability Living Allowance - you can ring the Benefits Enquiry Line on 0800 882200 for advice.

Studying and benefits

Most full time students aren't normally entitled to the benefits mentioned. Your parents/carers can usually continue to receive Child Benefit on your behalf if you're under 19 and in further education or training (or looking for work or training). Other financial support may be available if you're a student, such as education maintenance allowances or student loans.

Working and benefits

If your income is low, you might be entitled to benefits (including Working Tax Credits).

Volunteering and benefits

You'll usually be able to keep claiming benefits whilst volunteering as long as you meet the rules for your benefits - for instance, if you receive the Job Seekers Allowance you need to be available for job interviews and ready to start work.

More information

Information on benefits is complicated, and changes from time to time.

Speak to a Youth Support Team worker or the Citizens Advice Bureau for general advice.

Also look at the Direct Gov website - includes a 'benefits adviser', which shows what you might be entitled to.

Remember that many of the benefits available from the government are designed to be for the short term only.