Teenage parents and benefits

Income-Based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)

You cannot usually claim JSA if you are under 18.

However, there are some important exceptions, including:

• If you are one of a couple and you have a child
• If you live apart from your parents, or anyone acting as your parents e.g. foster parents, and you have a good reason for doing so (see above) you can claim JSA during a period called the 'child benefit extension period'
• If you do not fit into any of the categories of people eligible for JSA but you would suffer 'severe hardship' without payment of benefit, you may be entitled to a discretionary payment of JSA.

Child Benefit Extension Period (CBEP)

• If you are 16 or 17 and have left full time education or approved training, Child Benefit may continue to be paid on your behalf during a 'Child Benefit extension period' if you are registered as available for work, education or work based training.
• If you do not live with your parents or anyone acting as your parents, you may be entitled to JSA in your own right during this 'Child Benefit extension period' if you are registered as available for work, education or work based training. The Child Benefit Extension Period (CBEP) lasts for 20 weeks. You should seek further advice and if in doubt claim immediately.

Severe Hardship Rule

To claim JSA under the severe hardship rule you will need to register for work, education and training with the Connexions Service or Careers Service. You will have to go for an interview at the Jobcentre about why you are suffering hardship. This will include reasons why your parents will not or cannot support you financially.

You should take along as much information and evidence as you can. It will help if you can bring an adult to the interview with you to support your claim, such as a friend, social worker or youth worker. Or you could visit your local Citizens Advice Bureau (address in the phone book) and ask if they could help.

How much JSA will you get?

There are two different levels of payment of JSA if you are aged 16 or 17:
Lower rate £35.65
Higher rate £46.85
You will be entitled to the higher rate if you are disabled of if you are living apart from your parents and you can show why you cannot live with them - see above. Income-based.JSA is means-tested so whether you get it depends on the amount of money you have coming in and the amount of savings you have.