A 16 or 17 year old can claim Universal Credit only in certain situations, such as having a child or having no parental support. From 18, you can usually claim like any other adult, whether or not you live with your parents, unless you are in full-time education. The details matter, so it is worth checking which case fits you.
Can a 16 or 17 year old claim Universal Credit?
Usually not, but there are exceptions. GOV.UK says you must “be aged 18 or over (there are some exceptions if you’re 16 to 17)”. A 16 or 17 year old can claim if one of these applies:
- you are responsible for a child
- you are pregnant and expecting your baby in the next 11 weeks, or have had a baby in the last 15 weeks
- you have a health condition or disability and have medical evidence for it, such as a fit note
- you are caring for someone who gets a health or disability benefit
- you do not have parental support, for example you do not live with your parents and are not under local authority care
If none of these applies, a 16 or 17 year old usually cannot claim in their own right. While in approved education, they normally count towards their parent’s Child Benefit and Universal Credit instead.
Can an 18 or 19 year old claim Universal Credit?
Usually, yes. From 18 you can claim Universal Credit like any other adult, as long as you are on a low income and meet the normal conditions.
The main exception is full-time education. An 18 or 19 year old who is a full-time student usually cannot claim, unless they meet a student exception. If that is you, see Universal Credit as a student for the full rules.
Can you claim if you live with your parents?
Yes. Living with your parents does not stop you claiming Universal Credit in your own right, once you are old enough to claim. Your payment is worked out on your own circumstances, such as your income and whether you pay rent.
There is one thing to watch. If you live with your parents and they claim Universal Credit or Housing Benefit, your being there can reduce the help they get with housing costs. That affects their claim, not yours, but it is worth talking through as a household.
What if you are a care leaver?
Care leavers have separate rules. If you are 16 or 17 and are in, or have recently left, local authority care, your council is usually responsible for supporting you, rather than Universal Credit. The “no parental support” route above does not apply to you.
Because getting this wrong can leave you without the right support, check with your local authority leaving-care team or a benefits adviser before you rely on a Universal Credit claim.
What should you do next?
Check which case fits you, then confirm the detail. The exact rules on age and exceptions are on GOV.UK, Universal Credit eligibility. If your situation is not clear cut, a benefits adviser can check it with you.
Training and work while you are young
A course can help you into steadier work, even if you cannot claim Universal Credit yet. Many are free if you or your family claim Universal Credit.