Benefits
Benefits your parents may be able to claim for you
Benefits for people aged 18 or over
Benefits for 16-17 year olds
Most 16 or 17 year olds cannot claim benefits. You may be able to claim something if you:
- are a young parent
- are in the last 11 weeks of pregnancy
- are disabled or have a long term health problem
- are caring for a relative who is disabled
- are under ‘severe hardship’
See the Direct.gov website for more information on benefits for young people
If you want to try to claim benefits and are under 18, go to your local Connexions centre. They can’t decide whether you can get benefits, but they can tell you which benefits you could apply for and how to apply.
Benefits your parents may be able to claim for you
Your parents may be able to continue to claim Child Benefit and Child Tax Credits for you up to the age of 20 if you are still in full-time education or in Foundation Learning or an unwaged apprenticeship.
If you are 16 or 17 and not in employment or training your parents can usually claim Extended Child Benefit for you until Monday 31st August following your 16th birthday. Find out more about Extended Child Benefit.
Once you start a job or paid apprenticeship your parents can no longer claim child benefit or tax credits for you.
Benefits for people aged 18 or over
If you are 18 or over you can claim benefits at Jobcentre Plus. If you have any questions about your claim to benefits or you need help in looking for a job you should contact Jobcentre Plus.
Telephone help lines
Leicester City Council Welfare Rights Advice Line
Local advice and information on benefit and tax credit entitlements.
Phone: 0116 225 4888 (Monday to Thursday 1pm until 4pm)
Benefit Enquiry Line – for people with disabilities
Benefits info for people with disabilities, their carers and representatives.
Phone: 0800 882200
Text phone: 0800 243 355
Email: Bel-Customer-Services@dwp.gsi.gov.uk
Community Legal Service Helpline
Get independent advice about debt, education, benefits and tax credits, employment and housing problems if you live on a low income or benefits.
Phone: 0845 345 4 345
