age out of youth service
young people might be able to stay a little bit longer with youth service
They may also be able to stay in Youth Service if they are in education, training, or work-based learning.
when a young person ages out of youth service
We say that a young person ages out of youth service when they:
- turn 18 (Youth Payment) or 20 (Young Parent Payment), and
- have received payments for a minimum of six months.
Choosing to stay in after turning 18 or 20
If a young person is in education, training or work-based learning they can choose to continue in Youth Service. This is to give them a chance to finish their education, training or work-based learning and achieve the qualification they are working towards.
If they choose to continue in Youth Service, they will need to exit when the their education, training or work-based learning activity ends. If the activity finishes in December, payments will continue to 31 March the following year.
If, after choosing to continue in Youth Service the young person stops attending or changes their education, training or work-based learning, payments must stop immediately and they'll need to exit Youth Service.
why young people are kept in service for six month
Completing a minimum period of six months ensures the young person is given time to plan, prepare and participate in an activity that will move them towards a qualification.
Qualifying for another benefit
Young people who have been granted Youth Payment or Young Parent Payment cannot receive Jobseeker Support or Sole Parent Support until they've been in service for a minimum of six months.
If a young person qualifies for Supported Living Payment after being granted Youth Payment or Young Parent Payment they do not have to complete six months in Youth Service before they change benefit type..
Learn more about Supported Living Payment here: supported living payment | Work and Income