Financial support for young people

Regular financial support is given to young people aged 16 to 18 who:

• have been looked after away from home for over 13 weeks since the age of 14, and
• ceased to be looked after over their official school leaving age

This is because young people in this age group are not eligible for state benefits.

Are there any exceptions?

Yes, some young people may be eligible for benefits. These are:

• young people with disabilities who are entitled to income support and disability benefits, and
• young parents who are eligible for income support for themselves and their children from the child’s birth date.

Young people with disabilities and young parents are not entitled to housing benefit. Aberdeenshire Council is responsible for paying their rent until they are 18.

Young people who have been looked after at home, or return home from care, can apply for state benefits. More information is available on the Gov.uk website.