Can a 16 year old student get benefits?

ragz_2

Many thanks for that, CAz3121, MrsManda and RIngo_24601 I will make notes on those and let her know. I know you can't have a lease until you're 18, she mentioned student accomodation but having to work enough to pay for that and costs of living would leave her little time for study. She is safe enough with our parents at the moment, just not very happy and desperate to leave, but if she wants to go to college it seems to she has no choice.

Caz3121

this is the link for the case for specialist residential centres http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/14To19/MoneyToLearn/ExtraHelp/DG_066986

even if she did get help with rent, £100 per month is unlikely to be able to cover all her expenses without a job.

sandraroffey

'fraid not. and a student cant get housing benefit either,no matter what age you are, unless you have children. if she is only 16, she isnt going to university, just further education /6th form, so strictly speaking, she should be living at home. sorry.

saratoga

I wanted to reply because I think some people have been very unfair on this thread.I think Connexions ( just google it there should be a local to you one,thats the right spelling of it) would be a good place to ask about things they help with Local advice for 13-19 year olds on Health, Money, Relationships, Citizenship, Learning, Work, Free-time, Housing and Transport.
It's nice you are taking an interest in her wellbeing,when I was 16 I desperately wanted to leave home but did'nt have anybody to help me (It was unbearable due to an alcoholic parent). I managed to juggle a live in Hotel job with College but that was a few years ago now!
I have 3 children at college so I do understand the situation,I don't think they would have the time to get a job, they always seem to be either at college or doing course work (weekend jobs are being discussed at the moment,but that would mean no sleep at all!)

BigAunty

ragz wrote: »

... she mentioned student accomodation but having to work enough to pay for that and costs of living would leave her little time for study. ....

The full-time college courses I have attended have never been more than 2.5 days across the week with minimal homework potentially leaving her loads of time to hold down a job - 2.5 days per week free, every evening free, every weekend free - depending on the nature of her course.

She should speak to her college support services as they should have an adviser that can advise her about funding and options if she is estranged from her parents.

The Directgov website has links on student funding.

Get her to download the MSE budget planner to work out her income and expenses.

Take her to the Job Centre so she gets familiar with the type of vacancies and rates of pay she can expect. Students on my course work in shops, as event stewards, etc.

Oldernotwiser

saratoga wrote: »

I have 3 children at college so I do understand the situation,I don't think they would have the time to get a job, they always seem to be either at college or doing course work (weekend jobs are being discussed at the moment,but that would mean no sleep at all!)

Most college students work part time as even full time courses generally have fairly low hours of attendance.

Oldernotwiser

ragz wrote: »

I really wanted to prove to her she can't afford to leave, though I fully understand her reasons for wanting to and I'd have her live with me if we were anywhere near.

But you'll have colleges local to you that she could attend if you were able to offer her a home. You could even claim child benefit and child tax credit for her while she's in education.

creditcardhelp11

If the person aged 16 is a. estranged from parents b. in phsyical or moral danger from their parents/person acting as parents or c. there is a serious risk to their phsyical or mental health then they could claim Income Support from 16-19 under these grounds. If the person was suffering abuse this would be a prime example.

BigAunty

Check with the Shelter website if a 16 year old can hold a tenancy. I think they can, just that it's awkward for some legal reasons - Shelter will be able to enlighten you.

ragz_2

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

But you'll have colleges local to you that she could attend if you were able to offer her a home. You could even claim child benefit and child tax credit for her while she's in education.

Not really no, I live in a small village with poor bus service and the nearest colleges don't have her course, which is in Brighton, nearly 30 miles from me.

It's nice you are taking an interest in her wellbeing,when I was 16 I desperately wanted to leave home but did'nt have anybody to help me (It was unbearable due to an alcoholic parent). I managed to juggle a live in Hotel job with College but that was a few years ago now!

Thanks, we have similar family issues and she really hates being at home but like I said earlier, it is safe enough for now. Just not very fun!

The full-time college courses I have attended have never been more than 2.5 days across the week with minimal homework potentially leaving her loads of time to hold down a job - 2.5 days per week free, every evening free, every weekend free - depending on the nature of her course.

That's a good point, thanks. For a room and living costs I would guess she would need to earn £150 a week minimum, which would mean 30 hours ish? Could be doable... if she can find a job of course, there's a lot of competition in Brighton for suitable jobs for students!