Under 25s Housing Benefit

The government’s notion to abolish housing benefit for under 25s, affecting approximately 380,000 people, terrifies me.  This would have highly detrimental affects on young adults who are struggling to get into the adult world of work and independent living.  Back in June, David Cameron was quoted as saying “[A couple on benefits are] trapped in a welfare system that discourages them from working, [A couple living with their parents are] doing the right thing and getting no help”.  This appears to be a very narrow minded view of on individual circumstances and how adults in this country think and act.  Statements like these isolate thousands of people who are not only made to feel belittled but could potentially be left homeless if their benefits are cut.

Until recently, I claimed both Jobseekers Allowance and Housing Benefit, at the age of 22.  I was given a pitiful amount to live on but I was grateful for it and it meant I was able to be reliable to my landlord and utilities, and able to buy food.  I appreciate that benefits need to be quite low, not only because the country is trying to reduce its debt but also to encourage people back into work but the idea of receiving no housing benefit at all simply because I am younger than 25 fills me with dread.  The welfare state should be available to all who need it and people should not be discriminated against due to age. 

I worked very hard to get off benefits and into work and this is quite typical of people in that situation.  I am however only in a temporary position and may find that I will need to rely on benefits once more.  I hope this isn’t the case but it is crucial for a safety net to be there just in case.  Without benefits I would have had no where to go, I cannot live with my parents as they no longer have the room or resources to support me.  To be clear, I did not move out for an “easy” life or to get “trapped” into the benefits system and I did not do the wrong thing.  It was simply necessary at the time.

It heartened me to read an article on the Guardian’s website stating that George Osborne is likely to drop the plan to end housing benefits for under 25s and I sincerely hope this is the case.  In the majority of instances younger adults do not move out just to sit perpetually on benefits, they do it either because they are financially able to (which I appreciate is the ideal) or because they have no other choice.  In most cases they want to be in work and fulfill their own ambitions; a tiny majority may take advantage of the system but that does not mean it is right to tar each with the same brush.  It goes against human’s basic need of safety, which goes to resources, and it could violate their human right to property.