Benefits and Earning

Benefits are payments for people who may need some extra help. To get benefits, you need to check you are eligible and make a claim. There are different benefits available to people depending on their circumstances.

Crucial: If you are under 18, your parents or carers are typically responsible for your care. 

Responsible for your care means that your parents or carers should provide you with a home, food, and other necessities. If your parents need extra help to do this, they may apply for benefits.

Instant Expert: Everything about benefits from the Gov.uk benefits pages

Young people aged 16-17

If you are aged 16-17 you have the right to free full time education, and to live with your parents or carers. Your parents may receive benefits to support you, as long as you remain in full-time education.

Crucial:  If for any reason you have to leave home, and you are under 18, then you need to tell your Local Authority and the police. They will help you with your situation.

Care to learn

If you are a young parent aged 16-17 you may be eligible for benefits which are designed to keep you and your baby healthy.

Crucial: Care to Learn is a benefit especially for young people who are parents. It supports them to stay in learning by making payments towards childcare costs. 

Becoming independent 

As children grow up and become adults, they get jobs and start to earn money. 

Parents support their children through this process. 

Crucial: When parents or carers do not provide a child with necessities such as food, medical care and somewhere safe to live then this is abuse. Even if they are trying to do the right thing, they need support. Find out more about neglect and abuse.