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:

Bridging Allowance

For under-18’s who have left a job or training, and their parents are not getting Child Benefit. It is paid for up to 8 weeks. You need to be registered with Connexions as looking for work or training.

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 approved programmes*. If you leave education, they may still receive Child Benefit for up to 20 weeks. During this time you are expected to find work or a training place and will need to register with Connexions.

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 eligible training programmes* or have recently left then you can apply for Income Support.

You may also be entitled to Income Support if you have a disability, are unable to work, or if you are pregnant within 11 weeks of your expected date of confinement. There are some other circumstances where you may be entitled to Income Support.

Job Seekers Allowance (JSA)

For people who don’t have a job but are actively looking for work. Most 16 and 17 year olds cannot receive JSA, but in exceptional circumstances it can be paid. If you do need to make a claim, you will need to see a Connexions Personal Adviser. If you are entitled to JSA you will need to attend regular appointments with Connexions and at your local Job Centre.

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

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

This is to help with the costs of staying in education, e.g.  to buy course books or materials. It is available for a maximum of 2 years per student and depends on how much your parents earn. It is also available to those on an eligible training programme*.  For more info visit www.ema.dfes.gov.uk

* e2e or Programme led Apprenticeships