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England

Slipping through the safety net

By: Roberta Johnson
Published: April 2015

No Going Home: What Happens When You Cut Housing Benefit For 18-21 Year Olds

Politicians are proposing a new form of social security for unemployed 18-21 year olds, which means they are likely to lose their entitlement to housing benefit. Shelter is concerned that removing young people's access to housing benefit will lead to an increase in youth homelessness.

While most unemployed 18-21 year olds can live with their families, not all of them can. some have fled abuse from parents or partners, some have been kicked out because of their sexuality, and some are care leavers just beginning their adult life. However all of these young people have one thing in common: housing benefit is the vital safety net that helps keep them off the streets. 

Removing young people's access to housing benefit removes their access to a safe and decent place to stay, and no young person should be denied a safe place to call home.