DS1 was supposed to be going to university this year, but got better grades than he expected, so has chosen to re-apply for next year, to a 'better' university than the one he had a place at.
We had not planned for him to have a gap year, so have nothing in place re work/volunteering/travelling etc.
We (DH and I) have made it clear that this is not a year for dossing around, and that the bank of mum & dad will not be funding an all-expenses-paid trip so that he can travel. He is expected to get a job or, at the very least, find something voluntary.
So far, he hasn't had much joy finding a job, although we're hopeful that as people finish their holidays/go back to university that there will be jobs available - and certainly it would seem that he should be able to get some kind of Christmas temporary job.
If he can't find work, though, would he qualify for any benefits? I know nothing about the benefit system/what might be available, as (very thankfully) we have never had to claim.
It's especially an issue at the moment, as we will no longer be paid the child benefit for him, as he is not in full time education and, more seriously, my business looks as if it may be going under, so I will have no income either.
Thanks in advance for any help/pointing me in the right direction!