Surrey Welfare Rights Unit

Claiming Universal Credit (UC) as a 16/17-year-old

There are a number of categories of claimant who can claim UC whilst 16/17. Including when your child ‘has submitted and are covered by a medical certificate saying your child is not fit for work and they are waiting for an assessment of their capability for work’. However, as most 16/17 year olds are in full-time non-advanced education they are unlikely to be able to claim Universal Credit. If there is a  breaka time when they are not attending or enrolled, or accepted on a non-advanced full-time course in their continuous education there may be an opportunity for them to claim Universal Credit at this time.  The window of time for making the claim may may be very short, but once the claim is made it can continue.

If a claim is made during a gap in education on this basis your child needs a fit note that covers the whole period of the claim until a decision on Limited Capability for Work or Limited Capability for Work-Related Activity (LCW/LCWRA) is made.  This can be a series of fit notes, but needs to start with day one of the claim and there should be no gaps. Your GP can provide a fit note in this situation even if they are not unwell.  If difficulties are encountered we suggest explaining the reason the fit note is needed and ask them simply to put the condition in the narrative box.  Once the claim is made with the fit note, they will need to request a work capability assessment so the DWP can decide if they have LCW/LCWRA This can be done by a request in their UC journal. Seek advice if problems are encountered. The information at the following link may be helpful.

Once your child has been found to have LCW/LCWRA they meet the criteria to claim as a 16/17 year old with LCW/LCWRA.  While they are being assessed, if they have returned to education they will need to show that their course is compatible with their claimant commitment.