Client aged 17, 18th birthday 4 weeks time. Will satisfy criteria when 18 for income support award. Wants to make advance claim + contacts contact centre - who notify local JC+. Things went wrong and she was never offered interview at JC+ with under 18 adviser. She did submit an AI, posted out by contact centre, but it was not received by income support processing. I am trying to track down information re referral process by contact centre to JC+. As I understand it 16/17 year olds cannot make an income support claim via contact centre. They must claim via their local JC+ and an interview with the under 18 adviser. How formal is this requirement? is it recorded in any JC+ circulars/publications? If not offered an interview at local JC+ in above circumstances have the JC+ failed in their duty to the young person.

Alan,

I have some JCP internal guidance which covers all the permutations of 16 and 17 year olds who may make contact via contact Centre (post, telephone etc)if you want to give me your email address. Strictly speaking although your YP is under 18 he's claiming on the basis of entitlement at 18 so would normally be processed thro Contact Centre.

By the way, is there any reason why your 17 year old is currently ineligible?

Best regards.

Alacal, Thanks for the offer. In our area as soon as the contact centre are aware the claimant is under 18 they will not process any further and refer client to local JC+ - the contact centre will usually inform the local JC+. The young person was in care up to age 18. Email address Alan.Hind@northumberlandcaretrust.nhs.uk

Cheers,

Allan