Many 16 or 17 year olds cannot claim benefits - but some are entitled, so it's important to check all the rules.
Most young people staying on at school or college in Manchester can also claim Education Maintenance Allowance - it is extra money and doesn't affect other benefits. There are allowances if you do a training course, or wages if you work. You might be entitled to benefits on top of these.
There is advice and help for you to study, train or work and there is support if you have difficulties. Get advice about your options.
Because the rules are often complicated, we suggest working through each section of Benefits and Allowances for 16 or 17 year olds in turn. It's a 'step by step' way to check possible entitlements.
For example, if you work through the information on Basic Benefits, you are covering these questions:
- Can my parents or a person acting in place of parents still claim for me as a dependant?
- Or can I get Income Support in my own right until aged 18 or 19?
- Or can I get Income Support when in full-time education or unwaged training?
- If not, can I claim Income Based Jobseeker's Allowance until aged 18 or 19?
- If not, can I claim Income Based Jobseeker's Allowance during a period of up to 20 weeks after leaving school - called the 'Child Benefit Extension Period'?
- If not, can I claim Income Based Jobseekers Allowance for up to 8 weeks outside the Child Benefit Extension Period?
- If not, is there a risk of severe hardship?
- If not, can I get a Bridging Allowance or the new Activity Allowance (currently being piloted in Greater Manchester)?
Update - The rules for young people changed in April 2006, with some additional help for people taking steps towards finding training or work, for 19 year olds completing a course, and for unwaged trainees - get advice.
Back to Benefits and Allowances for 16 and 17 year olds
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Information Provider:
Manchester Advice
Date Reviewed:
27 October 2006
This information is for guidance only and is not an authoritative statement on the law. Please read our Terms and Conditions.
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