UC for 16 year old

door123

I have a 16 year old who is home educated not really taking any formal education just child led. He also has a EHCP from local authority. Made a claim for ESA credits only and he was put in the support group in July 2025 he also receives the highest of both care and mobility PIP.

I started home education with him because he never liked school and to be honest he has not liked home education much eather. As he is above compulsory school age can his education be ended?

I want to apply for UC for him in his own right will this be possible? I will have to do it for him as his appointee can someone explain in stages what the process is please?

Thanks 

born_again

https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit/eligibility

Flugelhorn

If he stops education then he has to do one of the following:

• stay in full-time education, for example at a college
• start an apprenticeship
• spend 20 hours or more a week working or volunteering, while in part-time education or training

Also unless he has a child or is caring for someone, UC is usually only paid if they are estranged from parents and living apart from them

elsien

No, that’s not right. He can claim if he has a disability. Which given he’s on higher rate for both care and mobility would seem to indicate could be the case
https://kinship.org.uk/support-and-advice/advice-and-information/benefits-for-16-and-17-year-olds/

Flugelhorn

elsien said:

No, that’s not right. He can claim if he has a disability. Which given he’s on higher rate for both care and mobility would seem to indicate could be the case
https://kinship.org.uk/support-and-advice/advice-and-information/benefits-for-16-and-17-year-olds/

yes I  missed that

Spoonie_Turtle

Flugelhorn said:

If he stops education then he has to do one of the following:

• stay in full-time education, for example at a college
• start an apprenticeship
• spend 20 hours or more a week working or volunteering, while in part-time education or training

This bit's correct though, to my knowledge.  Until he's 18.

marcia_

Contact has useful information about benefits for disabled teens https://contact.org.uk/help-for-families/information-advice-services/benefits-financial-help/benefits-at-16/