Young People and Benefits - Young people with a child

You should qualify for Child Benefit as there is no minimum age limit to claim this. 

You may be able to get Universal Credit if you are aged at least 16 and are responsible for a child. You may be able to claim Universal Credit if you are at least 29 weeks pregnant (but not if you are a care leaver). You may be able to claim Universal Credit if you had a baby or your baby was stillborn in the past 15 weeks (but not if you are a care leaver).

If you live in Scotland you should qualify for the Scottish Child Payment as there is no minimum age limit to claim this. You can also receive the Scottish Child Payment and Child Benefit at the same time. If you get Scottish Child Payment, you will be entitled to other support through the Best Start Grants and Best Start Foods, depending on the age of your child.

If you live with your family, it would be a good idea to speak to an adviser before making any claims for benefits for your child.

There are a range of other benefits and assistance available for people with children which you may qualify for depending on your circumstances – see our Expecting a Child section and our Bringing up a Child section for more information.