For lots of people claiming benefit can be a bit scary
at first. If you're aged 16 or over and on a low income, you may be
able to apply for financial help from the government.
One of the best things that you can do is get some advice from
your local Jobcentre Plus office. You can phone
them on 0800 055
6688 or pop into one of their offices. You can find out where
your nearest branch is here.
Whether you phone or go to the office the staff there will be
able to help you find out what you can claim and will help you
complete the forms
Here are the main types of help you might be able to get:
Income Support
If you're over 16 and unable to work because you're a lone
parent, a parent who has to stay 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.
Jobseeker's Allowance
Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) is a benefit open to most people
over the age of 18 who are unemployed, not in education and 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 under 18, or if you're a student, it's unlikely you
will be entitled to the allowance.
16-19 and still studying?
The Government got rid of the Educational Maintenance Allowance
(EMA) scheme in 2011. However, some Schools, colleges and training
providers have funds to help you if you're studying or starting a
full-time course from September 2011 and think you might struggle
with the costs for your studies. For advice speak to student
support services or your tutor.
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 if you're living with your parents or other close
relatives and paying rent to them.
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.