Parental perks
Question
I'm 16 and about to be a mother. Although my family are totally supportive, I don't have much contact with the father. A friend told me I should look into getting some benefits to help us survive. Are there any I could claim?
Answer
The benefits system in the UK is quite complicated and the benefits you are entitled to will depend on your particular situation, e.g. if you've been in care, how old you are, if you're living with your parents, what your income is, etc.
To get detailed advice on what you may be entitled to, it would be a good idea to visit your local CAB. They will look at your particular circumstances and give you a fair idea of what you may be entitled to.
The benefits you might be able to claim include:
- Housing Benefit;
- Council Tax Benefit;
- Child Tax Credit;
- Income Support;
- Child Benefit;
- Job Seekers Allowance;
- Educational Maintenance Allowance.
If you are still in education or training and under 19 you may also be able to claim child care costs through the Care to Learn Scheme, to find out more you can call their helpline on 0845 600 2809.
Finally, as you say you don't have much contact with the father of your child, it's important to know Income Support or income-based Job Seekers Allowance are 'qualifying benefits'. This means that if you want to claim either of them you will also be required to make a claim to the Child Support Agency (CSA) so the father of the child makes a contribution to your child's maintenance.
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