Benefits/help for 19yr old employed girl?

naturaljazz

I would suggest the first port of call is to make an appointment with the local homeless officer at the council or with a charity who support young people. They will know what she can get regarding housing benefit/council tax support if she does get accommodation. She is sofa surfing, and that is homeless. As regards a place with a friend, unless there is a local 'bond' scheme, whereby a charity (NACRO for example) puts up the deposit on a flat for her (and friend?) then a share with others would be the best bet. There are online rooms to rent websites which cover all of the UK. Finding more hours in work and/or a job with more hours very much depends on where the young woman lives. It is incredibly difficult to find any work at all in many areas of the UK. We dont know the details but maybe the person has no GCSE's etc. She certainly lacks parental support. Zero hour contracts and so forth are a real issue. My son worked at Homebase and would get 38 hours one week then two weeks of 8 hours, so it is not secure. If as her grandfather says she takes overtime when she gets it then it is obvious she wants more work. I do feel more structured support from a charity or the local authority will be a positive move. Being 19 now is not like it was when I was 19 in 1978 and I am always mindful of that in giving my opinion. I wish her well and hope things can improve for her soon.

racon

naturaljazz wrote: »

As regards a place with a friend, unless there is a local 'bond' scheme, whereby a charity (NACRO for example) puts up the deposit on a flat for her soon.

Hey, I can't see where it is quoted that the granddaughter is someone that is either a criminal or likely to offend? Are you suggesting that 19 year old females are likely to go on a crime wave to fund their existence?

naturaljazz

No Racon, in this area NACRO have the funding for the 'bond' scheme. My niece used the scheme, she was in exactly the same position as the young woman who is the subject of this post. NACRO do far more than offender support. In other areas of the UK it may well be other charities. It is the way things work now. I can assure you and anyone reading this, I would never jump to any such conclusion, I declare an interest here; I work in a Social Inclusion capacity and would be unable to do my job if I were capable of reaching such conclusions linking 19 year old females with crime!

bloolagoon

Mojisola wrote: »

It sounds as 'independence' has been thrust upon her - she hasn't chosen to live away from home.

I agree abandoned by parent, grandparents, aunts, uncles and all extended at such a young age is very disheartening. I wonder if it's because child benefits stopped. Sorry world we live in at times

FBaby

bloolagoon wrote: »

I agree abandoned by parent, grandparents, aunts, uncles and all extended at such a young age is very disheartening. I wonder if it's because child benefits stopped. Sorry world we live in at times

We can't make such assumption. My OH was kicked out of the house at that age because he was treating it like a hotel and his mother had enough. He had to make do with a sofa of a friend until he could get a permanent full-time job and then get his own place. He reconciled with his parents shortly afterwards and now said that being kicked out was the best action his parents could have taken as indeed, he was being a brat.

Not saying that is the case of OP grand daughter, we don't know, but ultimately, I still stand that her priority should be look for more reliable hours as this is certainly the best way to secure herself a place to live.

naturaljazz

£5.13 per hour on minimum wage wont get her a lot, she still needs to look at sharing etc. I wouldnt imagine she could raise the deposit, rent in advance etc on even full-time money on her own, but 2 of them may have a chance. Room lets is a good one though as usually no deposit, but may want a reference and pay by direct debit etc. Hoping she gets sorted.

SnooksNJ

FBaby wrote: »

She is only 19 and only works a few hours. Why does she think that she is in a position to have a place of her own, even if sharing with someone? If she living with you at the moment?

Instead of focussing on what benefits she can get and looking for places, she needs to focus on finding full-time hours. The longer she stays at her current job, the better the chance of getting another job. Once she secures full-time hours, then she can plan her full indendepence.

It makes me sad that the Grandmother is on here asking for taxpayer hand outs instead of taking her Granddaughter in and providing a stable environment. Does the OP know of anyone hiring? Can you ask your friends if they know anyone who is hiring? If not, can you encourage her to find a full time job or continue her education.

Colin_Hunt

SnooksNJ wrote: »

It makes me sad that the Grandmother is on here asking for taxpayer hand outs instead of taking her Granddaughter in and providing a stable environment.

A 19 year old girl living with her granny isnt cool is it ?

Much better to explore the benefit route.

missapril75

SnooksNJ wrote: »

It makes me sad that the Grandmother is on here asking for taxpayer hand outs instead of taking her Granddaughter in and providing a stable environment.

Colin_Hunt wrote: »

A 19 year old girl living with her granny isnt cool is it ?

Much better to explore the benefit route.

Or just assume that the OP is in a position to do it.

Ames

Where are posters getting their info about the op's living arrangements from? There could be lots of reasons why she can't offer her GD a home - she may live in sheltered housing and not be allowed anyone living with her, she may have retired to the middle of nowhere where there's no jobs, she may live in a bedsit and simply not have room...