Housing costs will be available to 18 to 21-year-olds
under Universal Credit to make sure young people from all
backgrounds can get a job and progress
into work.
The government will amend the regulations so that all 18 to
21-year-olds will be entitled to claim support for housing costs
within Universal Credit.
Alongside the Youth Obligation, this change will mean young
people get comprehensive and intensive work-focussed support,
whether they are ‘learning’ or ‘earning’ as they set off into
adulthood. They will also be assured that if they secure a
tenancy they will be entitled to receive support towards their
housing costs in the normal way.
Work and Pensions Secretary of State said:
We want every young person to have the confidence to strive to
fulfil their ambitions.
For those young people who are vulnerable or face extra
barriers, Universal Credit provides them with intensive,
personalised support to move into employment, training or work
experience; so no young person is left behind as they could be
under the old benefits system.
As we rollout Universal Credit, we have always been clear we
will make any necessary changes along the way. This
announcement today will reassure all young people that housing
support is in place if they need it.
The employment rate is at 75.3% – up from 74.6% compared to a
year ago and the joint highest rate since records began.
Meanwhile, the number of unemployed young people is down 40%
since 2010.
St Basils CEO Jean Templeton said:
We welcome this decision to reinstate housing cost entitlement
for 18 to 21-year-olds. This means no young person will need to
disclose vulnerability in order to find somewhere to live. We
hope this decision will increase landlord confidence in
offering accommodation to younger people, knowing they can
access assistance with their rent if needed. The decision is
particularly timely as the Homelessness Reduction Act comes
into force.
This change means that there are no barriers to young people
accessing housing because of their age and is in line with the
Homelessness Reduction Act which comes into force next month, and
the government’s commitment to eradicate rough sleeping by 2027.
The Youth Obligation is available in areas offering Universal
Credit full service. It means 18 to 21-year-olds receive
intensive work-focussed support from day one of their claim. If
they are still unemployed and claiming Universal Credit after 6
months they are referred to work-related training or guaranteed
work experience to give them the skills to gain an
apprenticeship, move into education or work.
St Basils provides support for young people, including emergency
accommodation, supported accommodation, advice services and
skills services.
