Can my DD (living at home) claim benefits?

[slavetothenhs]

Any help or advice appreciated!

DD is 19, and has recently moved back into the family home with her boyfriend who is currently furloughed. She does have a diagnosis of autism and has struggled to to find a job I think because of this although I have supported her with applications etc. She did have a temporary contract at a supermarket which ended in the summer and hasn't been able to find work since.

We are obviously happy to support her at home but financially aren't in a position to give her an allowance as such, we buy her food and pay for her phone/essentials. We don't get any benefits such as tax credits /universal credit, we both work full time but not enough spare to fund a teenager!

Considering the circumstances are there any experts on here that could advise what route to take - I am totally unfamiliar with the benefits system but think if she could get some financial support via benefits and guidance to find a job it would help, her mental health is suffering at the moment and there isn't a huge amount of work available in our local area at all, I really feel for her!

She could claim Universal credit but as she lives with her boyfriend as a couple, they would need to make a joint claim and it is most likely that his furlough earnings would wipe out any entitlement. It does depend on what he earns though. If her autism prevents her being able to look for work then she could hand in sick notes and see if she can be assessed for work capability but I guess that is dependent on whether her Gp would issue a sick note, maybe not, it would depend on how her condition affects her.

If her boyfriend did not live with you she would receive £342.72 a month UC as a basic amount to live off but they would expect her to do 35 hours a week job searching unless her health prevents her doing that.

If you dd has autism then she could qualify for pip if she struggles with everyday life or has learning difficulties. She can also put a claim on fir universal credit

My DS is 21 and autistic and lives at home. He gets PIP (£605 every 4 weeks) and UC (£684 a month). He has LCWRA. Living at home shouldn't affect her eligibility for benefits, but having a partner will. Our local authority does supported internships and apprenticeships for people with disabilities, so it's worth checking your council website to see if they offer anything (not suitable for my DS though as he couldn't cope with travelling or social interaction, but it sounds like your DD is more able as she was able to work in a supermarket).