Unemployed teen no benefits?

Janie_swainie

Teen left 6th form college before final exam period at start of pandemic due to mental health issues, now looking for work while getting counselling but not able to apply for UC as has  savings intended for uni/1st car/house deposit (money we/she saved over many years).
Any suggestions/advice on how to preserve this (without giving full access to their savings?)
Does anyone know position on national insurance contributions if not working and no UC?
Thank you

GeordieGeorge

In general savings can’t be preserved in order to receive benefits, the system isn’t set up that way.

HampshireH

They will need to use their savings that's what they are for, even if you didn't intend for that to be the case.

Why don't you budget the amount you had hoped they would receive in UC and they have that, then as soon as they get a job (there re plenty out there if they aren't too picky) then they can stop using their savings

mattyprice4004

Those who have significant savings aren't deemed to need benefits; they're there for a rainy day, and that rainy day has come.