Confused About Benefit Entitlement

Janets_Daughter

Good Evening All,

I have a friend who is 19 yrs old, pregnant and in full time education. She is currently in temporary accommodation after being kicked out by her parents. She applied for Housing Benefit and has been refused because she is not on any other benefits.

I have a tiny bit of knowledge about the benefits system and know that she can re-apply and make a backdated claim(?) once she is on another benefit (ESA, JSA).

My question is: Does anyone know what benefits she is likely to be entitled to?

Thank you.

dugdale_2

Depending on the level of the course being studied she might be eligible for income support as people studying further education (up to A level standard), not living with a parent might be eligible for this benefit.

Tehya

I think what might be stopping her claiming is the fact she's a full time student. Who helped her find accomodation? If it was the council they may put her in touch with a benefits advisor. I think she really needs some professional advice from CAB or Welfare Rights.

Janets_Daughter

Thanks for your replies.

I have advised her to get some professional advice, but to answer your question, she presented herself to the council and they housed her and she has another year to go on her course (I will have to check whether it's A level standard). I've had a quick look on the DWP website and she doesn't seem to be eligible for anything.

dugdale_2

Try here for more info http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/On_a_low_income/DG_10018708

Janets_Daughter

Thanks for that. I really appreciate everyones input.

I saw this on the DWP website, but I was a bit thrown by the bit that says that applicants aren't in full-time study (but there are some exceptions). Is she likely to be an exception? She has no income at present.

dugdale_2

If she was in higher education (perhaps at university) I would expect her to be funding her accomodation through a student loan. From what you've said this isn't the case so I'm assuming that she's in further education (maybe wrongly).
As she's in the 16 - 19 year old bracket and estranged from her parents she might be eligible for Income Support if she was studying a course up to A level standard. If she was taking a degree she wouldn't be eligible. Her best bet would be to make a claim for IS as if she's eligible good for her, if she's not eligible they'll let her know.

Janets_Daughter

Thanks everyone. I'll let her know.

Dave101t

no one has mentioned the husband/ partner

Janets_Daughter

Her partner isn't supportive and is not assisting her financially.

dookar

Janets_Daughter wrote: »

Her partner isn't supportive and is not assisting her financially.

But his existence potentially changes everything