Information » Family & Relationships » Being a Parent » Rights for Young Parents
- Being a young parent doesn´t mean you don´t have the same legal rights as any other parent
- If you are a mother or father under the age of 16, you need to know your rights and what you and your child are entitled to
Mothers under 16 years old
- If you live with your parents and they are claiming Income Support, income-based Jobseeker´s Allowance or Housing Benefit, both you and your child can be included in the claim
- They could also claim a Social Fund Maternity Grant and Child Tax Credit for you and your child
- As a young mother, you can claim Child Benefit yourself once the baby is born. This will be included in your parents´ income however, if you live at home
- Benefit claims can be complicated so please seek expert advice from your local Citizens Advice Bureau
- As a person under 16, the local education authority has a duty to ensure you receive education, even if you are a mother
- As you are under 16, you will not normally be able to get privately rented or council accommodation because you are too young to be granted a tenancy. But, if your parents agree, you can ask the local authority social services department to try and find you accommodation
Fathers under 16 years old
- Many young fathers want to have a formal relationship with their child and apply for a parental responsibility agreement, residence order or contact order. However, you should always seek advice first from an experienced adviser from the Citizens Advice Bureau or a solicitor, for example
- Even if you are under 16, the Child Support Agency may expect you to pay maintenance for the child when you start earning or receiving a benefit
