To ask the Minister of Education what proposals and budget he has to support young carers aged 16 to 18, who are unable to access support available to adult carers.

My Department does not have a budget to support young carers aged 16 to 18 who are unable to access support available to adult carers.

The Department for Communities has confirmed that young carers may be eligible for support through the social security system administered by the Department for Communities. Carer’s Allowance is a non-contributory benefit available to people aged 16 and over who provide substantial care, of at least 35 hours a week, to a severely disabled person who is in receipt of Disability Living Allowance care component (highest or middle rate), Armed Forces Independence Payment, Personal Independence Payment (daily living component), Attendance Allowance or Constant Attendance Allowance at the appropriate rate.

To qualify for Carer’s Allowance a person must not be in full-time education. It is a general rule in social security that benefits are not available to students, except in very limited circumstances, because there is a system of student grants and loans to help with support.

Those carers who can undertake some paid employment in addition to their caring responsibilities can earn up to £123 per week without losing entitlement to the benefit.