Autism, 17 year old and benefits

TomsMom

Asking this for a friend whose 17 year old has recently been diagnosed with autism. Child no longer at college (was permanently excluded), parents both working. Getting a job for child highly unlikely. Child needs no help with looking after itself.

Will child benefit and/ or child tax credit stop for this child (another younger child in family also).

Is there any benefit be claimed for themselves (they're thinking carer allowance/DLA type of thing) or the child?

I have no idea which direction to point them in. Any guidance gratefully received.

Darksparkle

If the child is no longer in full time no. advanced education then CTC and CHB will stop for that child.

They should look into ESA and PIP.

Carers allowance wouldn't be appropriate as you've said the child doesn't need help looking after themselves.

p00hsticks

You could point them towards this organisation
http://www.autism-alliance.org.uk/

As far as benefits go, then one possibility for him is PIP - although he may not qualify if he is able to look after himself. If he does get PIP, then it opens up the possibility of someone claiming Carers Allowance for him, although again it sounds like this is not needed.

Otherwise it is either Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) or - if he is not able to look for work - Employment Support Allowance (ESA).

TomsMom

Thank you Davesparkle and p00hsticks.

I did think PIP wasn't appropriate as the child doesn't need help with anything.

I will pass on the website and mention JSA and ESA and they can go from there.

Your replies are very much appreciated.

Darksparkle

TomsMom wrote: »

Thank you Davesparkle and p00hsticks.

I did think PIP wasn't appropriate as the child doesn't need help with anything.

I will pass on the website and mention JSA and ESA and they can go from there.

Your replies are very much appreciated.

PIP isn't just about care needs. Have a look here - https://www.gov.uk/pip/eligibility

And here - https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Global/Migrated_Documents/adviceguide/pip-9-table-of-activities-descriptors-and-points.pdf

Alice_Holt

More info here:

http://www.autism.org.uk/about/benefits-care/benefits/pip.aspx

TomsMom

Darksparkle wrote: »

PIP isn't just about care needs. Have a look here - https://www.gov.uk/pip/eligibility

And here - https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Global/Migrated_Documents/adviceguide/pip-9-table-of-activities-descriptors-and-points.pdf

Ah, OK, I'll check them out and pass the information on. Thank you