18 year old in FE

John38_2

As the parents wont have her back, this is a clear cut case of Estrangement. As long as her course is Level 3 or below, and for more than 12 hours per week, she is entitled to Income Support of £50.95 per week (presuming she doesn't have £6,000 or more savings etc etc).

She will automatically be entitled to full Housing Benefit at the Shared Room rate, which will be between £50-80 p/w depending on the area.

As shes on IS, she can get EMA at £30 per week presuming she attends, as well as the bonus's etc.

If she gets a job, it will become a whole lot more confusing.

At the moment, during term time, she could get £80.95 per week to spend on whatever she likes, and probably 100% of her rent paid seperately, with up to £15 a week 'spare' which she can keep if her HB is more than her actual rent.

Its not a bad financial package really.

The general lack of awareness of the help available for Estranged Students is astounding. Unfortunately too many people accept misleading advice, and end up going to College Monday to Thursday, and then work 10 hour shifts on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to be able to afford rent, with a bit left over for food.

This completely exhausts them, and also negatively impacts on their College work, before anyone starts chanting the old "it'll do em' good" line.