Teenagers (13-17 years) Money Matters
Teenagers (13-17 years) Money Matters
Last checked: June 2026
See also: Children / Financial Support and Benefits >
People who have long term ill-health or disability costs can apply for a government funded Personal Independence Payment or PIP.
If you get a Disability Living Allowance (DLA) you don’t automatically qualify for PIP. You have to apply for it. You may be eligible to apply as soon as you’re 16 years old.
Even if you’re moving across from DLA, your application needs to give a detailed picture of your situation. It needs a lot of careful thinking and planning. If you’re living with your parents you can work on this together. If you don’t live with your parents, talk to your guardian and / or your social worker.
Read more: in our Adult’s section about Applying for PIP >
Your parents may still be able to get Carer’s Allowance (Tab 1) >
You may not come across, need or be eligible for all of this support. If you are going to need a support and care package, depending on your age, have a look at:
Once you’re aged 16, you may have the option of applying for Universal Credit (UC). This could affect the benefits your parents receive. It’s extremely complicated to work out what’s best and what your family is entitled to. It’s well worth getting specialist advice:
See: Contact’s ‘Universal Credit for young people receiving education’ > .
If you’re a parent of a teenager looking for information on financial support, there’s more information at:
If you’re looking for help with the rapidly rising cost of living, please see Children / Tab 4 – Cost of Living Support >.