22 year old son out of work - financial support?

[poiuy]

I have tried to work this out but still confused about what financial support might be available these days, if any, for people out of work. Long story, son abandoned student life, wanted to work, but has only managed a few casual jobs since. He still lives at home. A while back, he was on universal credit for a while, but I (and he) were so naive, because as soon as he got a little job, he had to pay it back (doh - that's why it's called universal credit!!). Is there any financial support out there anymore or is it just universal credit? Should he also go to a job centre? He is applying for lots of things but he does not drive and we are not on a bus route (rural home) so he is not having much luck. If anyone has knowledge or can suggest some ideas, I'd be really grateful. He's getting really depressed.

Universal credit and job centre... there are some working from home home jobs, and volunteering etc.

Apply for universal credit on line via www.gov.uk

Universal credit should also pay his National Insurance "stamps towards" his state pension. Everyone needs 35 qualifying years to claim a full state pension

He may be able to claim other benefits too & free training, free courses etc

He needs to be "in the system" or work

Your son shouldn't have to be repaying Universal Credit unless he asked for an advance, which is a loan that you have to pay back over time - or if he was overpaid. If he was simply claiming normally he shouldn't have to pay anything back just because he started working.

If it were me I'd encourage him to go back to full time education, this would give him a reprieve from entry-level jobhunting whilst living in a rural area without transport. 22 isn't too late to go back to uni and he could build a solid career via networking/placements or try to find part time work whilst he studies.