Casey’s* future may have looked uncertain when her relationship with her mother broke down but when our Youth Service got involved, her life started to get back on track. The first thing she was able to access is the Youth Payment.
The Youth Payment is made by the Ministry of Social Development (Work and Income). Eligible young people aged 16-17 receive a weekly payment to help them cover their living costs while they stay in school to complete their education or enrol in training.
Casey was just 17 at the time and already had to deal with distress that saw her estranged from her mother, living away from home (and away from her younger sister) and needing financial assistance. Ian’s support and advice about the Youth Payment made all the difference and gave Casey some independence and much-needed financial stability.