William Eichler 18 March 2024

Young carers penalised by unfair ‘21 hour rule’

Young carers penalised by unfair ‘21 hour rule’  image
Image: AlessandroBiascioli / Shutterstock.com.

Young carers who are dependent on Government support are unfairly penalised by the benefits system, a coalition of civil society organisations says.

Under the current rules, carers who are aged 16 to 24 are ineligible for the carer's allowance if they study for more than 21 hours a week.

This means they are prevented from taking full courses of A-levels, BTecs or T-levels without going over the limit.

A letter, signed by more than 200 individuals and organisations including charities and housing associations, has urged the Government to reform the so-called ‘21 hour rule’.

Andy McGowan, policy and practice manager at Carers Trust, said: ‘It makes no sense for the 21 hour rule to remain in place, drastically limiting the aspiration of thousands of young adult carers and making them choose between learning and caring. It’s time for the Government to be true to its words about the importance of learning and aspiration and support these young people by making them exempt.’

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Portage Worker - SEND and Inclusion

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235
Term-time only (plus one week) – Temporary for 18 months Term-time only (plus one week) – Temporary for 12 months   We are recruiting Portage Workers Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£34,314 - £37,938 (pre-progression) / £39,513 - £43,693 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed their assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First Service. WHAT IS INVO Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Receptionist

Durham County Council
£24,404 to £25,183 pro rata p.a. Grade 3 (£12.64 to £13.05 per hour)
Casual as and when required opportunity is available Spennymoor Leisure Centre. WHAT IS INVOLVED? In this role you will professionally welcome custom Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Supervisory Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
2x Lunchtime Supervisory Assistant Vacancies Would you like to work with a group of wonderful children in order to help them to have a happy and sett Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Enhanced Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711?pro rata
Enhanced Teaching Assistant Grade 5     £25,584 - £27,711?pro rata Full time, Term Time Only + 2 Weeks Temporary – required from 1st September 2025 un Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner