17 year old, can he claim HB

TAZ

thanks will pass on the information

specsappeal

I claimed hb when i was 16. there are circumstances where 16 and 17 year olds can claim. Namely they are not allowed to live with parents. this was the case with me and i just had to supply a letter from social services to prove this and then my rent was paid.

fluffymovie

If he is living in his girlfriends parents house, I wouldn't think he can claim as she is his partner and they are living in her parents house so close relative rule would apply

thorsoak

Can a 17 year old have a 15 year old as a "partner"? She is still under the legal age of consent!

RazWaz

I can't say for his full situation, but I can confirm you can claim HB at 17 years old, I did so myself after becoming homeless. I signed a tenancy agreement and claimed Income Support, DLA and HB without a problem. I was also able to get EMA as I was in college.

Not sure how the GF part will affect things though.

fluffymovie

Partner is not defined in the legislation with any age constraints and I have paid claims where both claimants are under 16.
I have also paid a claim where the claimant receives Child benefit for his partner so strange things do happen in the world of benefits!
I would also suggest, that it may be considered not a commercial tenancy if he is renting from his g/f parents, would they rent out the room to anyone else on these terms etc?

TAZ

when he first went to live with them they only had a 2 bedroom house and he slept on the sofa, they have been moved for legal reasons and the council have given them a 3 bedroom house so he can have his own room, so they would not need a 3 bed room house if he was not with them so therefore the non commercial thing should not apply i think.