I'm new to this field so I'd appreciate a hand please. 17 year old girl left care, now living independentle in LA housing. LA have been providing financial support as she could not claim benefits. She is about to become a lone parent and, as I understand it, can claim IS. Does the LA duty to support end at this point, apart form housing benefits?

The department of health book...Children (leaving care) act 2000 regulations and guidance, says-
that lone parents are eligible to claim IS, but not HB, which you already knew.it then says,'The responsible authority will simply take this into account when deciding with the young person what additional support will be provided through the Pathway Plan. The Benefits Agency will disregard any such support payments made by the responsible authority when determining the young persons entitlement to income support or jsa'
So really it leaves it open to the local authority to decide themselves if they will still offer financial support, in Salford all cases are looked at individually and we may pay extra allowances. It should be the case that she has a Pathway Plan which should be reviewed regularly and amended when neccessary,the young person should have a copy of this, and financial support should be in that.
Also the LA has a duty to support the young person up tp age 21 although obviously not neccessarily financially.
It is hard to put all the posible arguements down in an e-mail,but if you are wanting to argue for more finances from the LA I would be happy to talk to you on the phone (0161 607 1888) or e-mail me direct jules.smith@salford.gov.uk