Homepage >Money >Benefits > Benefits explained
- Jobseeker's Allowance
- Income Support
- Housing Benefit
- Adult Learning Grant
- Child Tax Credit
- Carer's Allowance
- Care to Learn
- Incapacity Benefit
- Disability Living Allowance
- Help Lines
Jobseeker’s allowance is for those who are unemployed but capable of working. You usually need to be over 18 to claim this benefit; however in some circumstances 16 and 17 year olds who are not in full time education may be able to claim. To find out if you are eligible contact your nearest Connexions Centre and chat with a Connexions Personal Adviser. Alternatively you can visit the Job Centre Plus website for further information.
If you have had a continuous claim to Jobseekers’ Allowance for six months or more, then you may qualify for the New Deal programme.
Income support is a benefit that is available for people with a low income. From 16 onwards you may qualify from this benefit if you:
- have a child or are pregnant
- are sick or disabled
- responsible for care of a relative who is disabled
You can visit Directgov and Job Centre Plus for additional information or you can speak with a Connexions Personal Adviser.
You may be able to claim Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit if you are:
- living on a low income
- receiving Income Support
- receiving Jobseekers Allowance
You usually do not qualify for housing benefit if:
- you live with a close relative
- you are an asylum seeker or are sponsored to be in the UK
- you are a student in higher education unless you are disabled or have children
If you have savings over £6,000 this will affect how much Housing Benefit you may receive.
If you live with a partner, not necessarily married, then only one of you can receive housing benefit.
Advisers at the Jobcentre Plus should be able to point you in the right direction with this or you can contact the Housing Dept of your local council directly for advice and forms. For further information and to apply for Housing Benefit visit the DWP website.
ALG is a weekly grant for full time learners aged 19 or over. It is aimed to help adults, who are studying full time with the cost of learning. The grant pays up to £30 per week for those who are studying their first full level 2 or level 3 course, which is equivalent to 5 GCSEs or 2 A levels. Visit the DirectGov website for more information.
If you are 16 or over and have full responsibility of a child then you may be entitled to Child Tax Credit. This is a weekly payment to help cover the costs of living. Visit the DirectGov website for more details.
Are you over 16 and do you spend a minimum of 35 hours a week caring for a relative, friend or neighbour? If so, then you may be able to claim Carer’s Allowance. Visit the DirectGov website for more information.
Care to Learn gives financial support to teenage parents who want to continue their education or who are returning to education and need help with the cost of their childcare. Visit our young parents section and read our article on Care to Learn for more information.
Incapacity Benefit is available to young people aged 16 or over, who have been unable to work due to an illness or disability. You can find more information from the DirectGov website.
Disability Living Allowance is available for yourself or on behalf of a disabled child if you are responsible for their care. You may be entitled to get Disability Allowance if:
- you have a mental or physical disability
- you have walking difficulties
- you need help caring for yourself
Visit the DirectGov website for further information.
Job Centre Plus benefit helpline: 0845 602 6710
Income Support helpline: 0800 055 6688 (8am - 6pm Monday to Friday). Textphone: 0800 023 4888.
AskCAB
Information and advice on benefits for young people.
JobCentre Plus
Information on work, training, parenting and the benefits associated with them.
AdviceGuide
Frequently asked questions about benefits
Colchester Borough Council
Colchester Borough Council’s Welfare Rights service has produced a number of FREE factsheets giving information on various welfare benefits
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