You need to think carefully about if you can afford to live independently. Most 16 or 17 year olds can't get jobseeker’s allowance (JSA) or income support. If you're 16 or 17 and unemployed or don't have a training place you may get these benefits if you're not living at home, but it can be difficult. Normally you have to show that you are really struggling without these benefits.
If you're 18 or over and unemployed you should be able to get job seeker’s allowance (JSA) or income support. You need to show identification (I.D.) to get these benefits and sign on regularly at your nearest Job Centre. More information
Benefits may also be available if you are on a low income. Please see the “help with rent and council tax” section for more information, or contact welfare benefits advisor.
The National Minimum Wage
The national minimum wage gives employees good minimum standards and fairness in the workplace. It applies to nearly all workers and sets hourly rates that employers must pay and not fall below.
£3.30 per hour 16 & 17 Year olds£4.45 per hour 18 – 21 year olds£5.05 per hour 22 years and older (except on some training schemes)
Click here for more on the national minimum wage.
Click her for more information on benefits