I work with 2 brothers aged 16 and 17 they are looking for independent accommodation and I wanted to know where they stood with regards housing benefit if they applied for a joint tenancy and if this was in fact possible to do because of their ages?

Are they 'care leavers'? Just asking because you appear to be from NCH...

If they have been accommodated for any length of time of (see S.21 CA '89), or if they have been 'taken into care' for any period of time(S. 31 Care Order), then they are not eligible for HB until they reach 18, or leave F/T education, (see S. 6(1) of the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000)...

If either S 21 or 31 of the 89 Act applies, they remain the responsibility of Social Services, and that includes the provision of their Housing needs... See reg 11 of SI 2001/2784 available on - http://www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/si/si2001/20012874.htm

For an easy read on the law and care leavers... Se HB circular A41/2001 available to download from http://www.dwp.gov.uk/hbctb/archive%20.asp#2001

Otherwise yes, they are eligable for HB provided they are granted a tenancy, (once over 16 years old, but before reaching 18, a landlord (including RSL's), will 'normally' ask for a guarantee for the rental payments until the young person reaches 18)...

N.B...

Sorry about a 'typo' above... Section 21 refered to above, should read S.20 (accommodated children), S.21 refers to accommodation for children 'detained' by the police, in secure units etc. and so probably won't apply)... Otherwise the post holds good...