Money Facts

Money and work

Apprenticeships

All employed apprentices must receive a minimum of £80 per week. This will rise to £95 from August 2009. Recent research has found that, on average, apprentices earn £170 per week (before tax is deducted).

National Minimum Wage

This sets out in law how much most workers must be paid. From October 2009 the rate for 16-17 year olds will be £3.57 per hour; for 18-21 year olds it will be £4.83 per hour. The minimum wage does not apply to apprentices under 19.

Income Tax Allowances

The basic personal allowance in 2009/10 is £6475.

Money to Learn

As well as thinking about what you want to do next, you should also consider the money situation. You'll get support in school to make sure you understand what is available and how to claim.

• Care to Learn - to help pay towards childcare and travel costs while you are in learning. You must be under 20 on the day your publicly funded course or learning programme begins. The funding will continue until you finish your course.
• Dance and Drama Awards - you can only get this award if you take the Trinity College London qualification at one of the 21 accredited providers. It will pay for the majority of tuition fees but you will be expected to make a contribution.
• Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) - a weekly payment of up to £30, paid directly to eligible young people (based on household income) who continue in learning after they reach statutory school leaving age. On top of the weekly allowance, you could receive bonuses if you do well on you learning programme and meet certain targets. You agree these targets with your teacher, tutor or provider when you start your learning programme.
• Transport to school or college - local authority help with the cost of transport for learners in further education.
• Studying away from home - help towards term-time accommodation costs if you need to study away from home because your chosen course isn't available locally.

Discretionary Support Fund

Discretionary Support Funds are available in colleges and school sixth forms to help with learning costs. The funds are prioritised for those who face financial hardship. They can be used to help with:

• financial hardship and emergencies
• childcare costs (for Ofsted-registered childcare)
• accommodation costs for those who have to study further than the maximum distance from home
• essential course-related equipment, materials and field trips
• travel costs (for over 18s)

Colleges and sixth forms will take into account whether there are alternative sources of help available.

You can make a claim for Discretionary Support funding even if you are already receiving an EMA, Care to Learn funding or Disability Living Allowance.

Student Finance England

This service gives students wishing to enter higher education a simple, easy to understand and flexible method of applying for student finance.

Student Finance England offers an online service including information and guidance, an online application process and the ability for you to manage your account online.

The online calculator will help you work out exactly what you are entitled to and compare what support is available depending on what and where you decide to study.

Money to Live

There are very few benefits for those under 18. In certain circumstances you may be able to claim Job Seeker's Allowance, Income Support, Working Tax Credit, Child Benefit, Carers' Allowance or Housing Benefit.

Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)a

If you are an unemployed 16 or 17 year old you may be able to get income-based JSA for a short period in special circumstances.

In care or a care leaver

There are special rules for 16/17 year olds who are in care or who have been in care. Speak to your Connexions personal adviser.

Caring for someone

If you are a carer you may be able to get financial support and additional help. The Directgov site has lots of information.

If you have a disability

There are a range of allowances and benefits you may be able to claim if you have a disability. The Directgov site is a good place to start.