Could anyone answer this query for me please.
16 yr old in relevant education appealing IS dec not to award benefit as it appears he did not supply the proof that lives apart from his parents and is estranged from them.
Is any IS or other benefit payable while this dec is under appeal?

Carole

Not payable to him unless there is another basis. There is often confusion and misunderstanding about proving estrangement or risk from parents. DWP guidance can be found at para 193 of their document http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/jsa-16-17-severe-hardship.pdf. The context is different but the guidance should be relevant to your situation as well.

Thank you Brian. Link very useful.
Carole

Have you considered that this child should be looked after by social services under s.20 Children Act 1989. In any event, even if he does not need to be looked after, social services should assist, including financially, under s.17 Children Act until benefits are in payment. I refer to recent House of Lords decision in G v Southwark.

Apparently the matter has now been resolved.
Young lad went to the Job Centre armed with info we gave him and they have put IS in payment.
Dont really undertstand on what basis but he is happy and rang to say he would not need to return to office.
All's well that ends well.]
Carole.