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Benefits
When it comes to the social security benefit system, what you think you are entitled to, and what you may actually get, can be quite different. And even after you have received all you are entitled to, you may find that there’s not much money to go round as benefit levels tend to be low.
Benefits for young people
Quite simply up to 18 years of age, the benefit system for young people is very complicated. Why? Because the Government believes that you should be supported by parents/carers while at school, college or training.
But everyone is different, so depending on personal circumstances you may be entitled to some benefits. There are also other forms of financial help - especially if you stay on in education. Use the links below to find out the information that may be relevant to you. Then talk to a Connexions adviser about what you should do next.
Aged under 16
You are not entitled to any benefits until you reach 16. Your parents may be entitled to various benefits on your behalf (for example, Working Tax Credit if they are in work and money is tight). Working Tax Credit is a benefit paid to people in work with children who are on a modest income. It can help pay childcare costs for some children.
If you have special circumstances (for example, you have a disability or a child), and your parents are claiming benefits for themselves they may also be able to claim additional amounts and special benefits for you.
Aged 16 – 17 and unemployed
For a few months after you have left school, your parents can still receive benefits for you because you are not in work. However, for this to happen you must register as unemployed with the Youth and Connexions Service.
Only in special circumstances can an unemployed 16 or 17 year old claim Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA). It only applies if one of the following happens:
- You are forced to live away from your parents
- You will suffer severe hardship if you do not get JSA
- You are a member of a couple who has responsibility for a child
- Your family is in hardship and are not able to to claim benefits for you
If you receive JSA you may be able to get help with health costs (for example, free prescriptions, free NHS dental treatment, and free eye tests).
Before you contact the Jobcentre Plus office, you must speak to a Connexions adviser. This is because you cannot make a claim unless you are registered for work and training at your local Connexions centre.
Youth and Recruitment Advisers (RAs) are specialists in helping young people find work or training. An RA will arrange an appointment at Jobcentre Plus for you and help you complete the form which you will need to take to your appointment. Then after you’ve made your claim for JSA, the RA can help you find a job or training place.
Aged 16+ and living in rented accommodation
You may be entitled to Housing Benefit towards the cost of your rent if you are on a low income (whether you are in work, studying or unemployed). But if you live in privately rented housing, for most single people under 21, the amount you will receive will be based on the average cost of a room in a shared house.
Housing Benefit is paid by the district council for your area. Seek advice before taking on the financial commitment of rented accommodation. Housing Benefit is a benefit paid to help with rent if you are on a low income, whether you are studying, in work or unemployed.
Find out more at: www.suffolk.gov.uk/Housing/HousingBenefits 
How benefits will be paid
When you start receiving benefits, the government normally transfers the money straight into a:
- Bank or building society account
- Post Office card account
- National Savings Easy Access savings account
But some payments are treated differently. For example, Housing Benefit can be paid directly to your landlord.
Get advice on how to open a bank account
Aged 18+ and unemployed
If you are 18 or over and unemployed you may be able to claim Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA). You must also be:
- Capable of work
- Available for work
- Actively seeking work
When you go to claim JSA you will have to complete a Jobseeker’s Agreement. This will include details of:
Your availability for work
The kind of work you’re looking for
What you will do to look for work and improve your chances of finding work
Find out more at: www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Jobseekers
Living with a disability or health problem
Before your 16th birthday, your parents/carers may be claiming some benefits for you such as Child Benefit, Child Tax Credit, Income Support or Disability Living Allowance.
But once you become 16 you may be able to claim some money for yourself.
To find out more about right to benefits talk to a special needs personal adviser. You or your support worker can also contact Suffolk County Council’s Welfare Rights team on 01473 583468.
If you are pregnant or a single parent
Under 16
If you are under 16 and pregnant then you can’t claim any benefits in your own right, but your parents/carers can claim on your behalf. In particular if they are receiving Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit, they will be able to claim extra money because of your pregnancy.
Once you are 29 weeks pregnant if your parents/carers are receiving certain benefits, you can get a Sure Start Maternity Grant to help buy things for your baby.
After the birth
You or you parents can claim Child Benefit, but you still won’t be able to get any benefits until you’re 16.
Aged 16 - 17
Depending on your circumstances and that of your parents/carers (if you still live at home) there a range of benefits that could be available. Again at 29 weeks pregnant, you can claim a Sure Start Maternity Grant to help buy things for your baby. You will also be entitled to free prescriptions and free dental care during pregnancy and for 12 months after the birth.
After the birth
You will be entitled to Child Benefit, and in many cases Income Support which applies even if you are in education or training. However Income Support is means tested, so what you get will depend on the amount of money you have coming in and the amount of savings you have.
If you go to work for 16 or more hours a week, you may be entitled to Working Tax Credit (and possibly Housing Benefit if you pay rent) to top-up your income. The Government's New Deal for Lone Parents can also provide help and support.
