not entitled to SSP and under 20

vebram_2

Hi

I am looking for advice please. My nephew is 16 on a 12 month contract/apprenticeship earning £105 a week. He has a nasty knee injury that could keep him off his feet for 16 weeks. The minumum earnings to qualify is £107 a week(!) and as he is under 20 and not disabled I think ESA is out as well.

Are there any other avenues available to him or is he expected to exist on nothing whilst he recuperates?:(

Thanks in advance for all replies,

BigAunty

Was this a work related injury?

You do not have to be disabled to claim ESA. It's generally for those too incapacitated to work.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Illorinjured/DG_171894

HB58

The rules are different for the under 20's. No contributary ESA unless sick for past 28 weeks but income related might be paid in some circumstances

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Illorinjured/DG_171891

vebram_2

Hi

No, it is not work related - it is a football injury and so far he has been off work for three weeks but is advised that it is a 16 week process so it is unlikely to reach the ESA 28 week threshold.

Thanks for the replies,