Benefits for 16- and 17-year-olds

Universal Credit

Universal Credit is a payment to help with living costs for people who are on a low income, are out of work or who cannot work.

If you are 16 or 17 years old, you can make a claim for Universal Credit if you meet the criteria for universal credit and one of the following conditions apply:

• you have a disability or a health condition (you must provide evidence, such as a fit note from a medical professional) that limits your ability to work
• you’re caring for someone who gets a disability or health-related benefit
• you’re responsible for a child
• you have responsibility for a child and live with your partner, who is eligible for Universal Credit
• you’re pregnant and expecting the baby in the next 11 weeks
• you’ve had a baby in the last 15 weeks
• you do not have parental support and are not under the care of your local authority

One of the conditions of claiming Universal Credit is to look for work if you’re able to. However, a young person won’t need to look for work if both of the following apply:

• you’re in full time education or training
• you don’t have a parent or foster parent and you’re not in the care of your local authority

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) replaces Disability Living Allowance (DLA) when a child turns 16. It is a payment to help with the extra costs of having a disability. There are two parts to PIP – a daily living part and a mobility part – and both have a lower and higher rate. You may be able to claim one or both, at the lower or higher rate, depending on your ability to carry out certain daily living tasks.

Moving from Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to PIP

If you’re currently claiming Disability Living Allowance, the Department for Works and Pensions will invite you, via letter, to make a new claim for PIP shortly after your 16th birthday.

Once you’ve received your letter, you have 28 days to start the PIP application process. You will need to call the ‘PIP new claims’ phone line to get a form, which you will need to complete and send back. You may also need an assessment.