Benefits

The rules about benefits can be quite complicated. It is best to speak to a Personal Adviser to find out what benefits you can claim. See also the Money Contacts section.

There are different kinds of benefits for people in different situations:

Child Benefit

Paid to your parents/carers for each child they have, to help with the costs of things like clothes. It is paid to them while you are under 19 and in relevant full-time education or on certain work-based training programmes. If you leave education, they may still receive Child Benefit for a short period. During this time you are expected to find work or a training place and will need to register with Connexions.

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

This is to help with the costs of staying in learning - for example with books or other course materials. The amount you get depends on how much your parents/carers earn - unless you are on e2e (Entry to Employment). On e2e you will get the maximum allowance whatever your parents/carers earn. You can get EMA for staying in education or on certain work-based training programmes. For more information why not use the money to learn helpline: 0800 121 8989 or visit www.direct.gov.uk/ema

Income Support (IS)

If you have difficulties with your parents/carers that mean you have to live apart from them, and you are in relevant education or on an eligible training programme, then you can apply for Income Support.

Employment and Support Allowance for young people

Employment and Support Allowance replaced Incapacity Benefit and Income Support paid for people who are unable to work because of a disability or illness, for new claimants from the end of October 2008.

You may also be entitled to EAS if you are unable to work because of an illness or disability. Under youth rules ESA may be paid to young disabled people on full-time courses if the person with disability attends a course 'specially designed for disabled people.'

Jobseekers Allowance (JSA)

JSA is a benefit available to most people over the age of 18 who are unemployed but looking for work. You may also be able to claim if you have a job where you work less than 16 hours every week.

If you are 16 or 17, you will only be able to claim JSA in exceptional circumstances, for example if your relationship with your family has broken down and you have to live away from home. If this is the case, speak to your Personal Adviser.

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 a bedsit, or if you have a room in shared accommodation. You will not be able to claim if you're living with your parents, or other close relatives, and paying rent or 'board' to them.

Disability Living Allowance

This is a benefit which may be available to you if you're ill, disabled, or someone you're responsible for is disabled. The rules for are quite complicated, it is best to talk to your Personal Adviser.

For more information about the benefits you can claim, speak to your Personal Adviser or call into your local Job Centre. You can also visit www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk