Before your 16th birthday, your parents or carers may be claiming some money for you.

This money may be called

• Child Benefit
• Child Tax Credit
• Income Support
• Disability Living Allowance

When you are 16, you may be able to claim some money for yourself.

This money may be called

• Employment and Support Allowance
• Disability Living Allowance

It is important that you get independent advice or speak to your Social worker or Support worker about whether you would be better off claiming money in your own right or if your family continues to claim money for you. You may also need someone to help you claim the money you are entitled to. An appointee could look after your money for you.

Sometimes it might be better for your parents or carers to keep claiming the money for you, someone should talk to you about this.

The forms that are used to claim the money can be very long and complicated, so it is always best to get some help to fill them in.

Click here to download a leaflet explaining all about benefits

Direct payments

Direct payments are when you receive money instead of services – but you then use the money to arrange your own care. To read a full guide to direct payments click here, or you can download an easy read guide here.

Other useful advice can be found on www.need2know.co.uk

For further information contact:

• An Independent Advice Agency
• Your support worker or Social Worker who will be able to contact the Welfare Rights Unit on your behalf.