Living on your own is expensive and you will be responsible for paying all of the bills.

Look at the example of a one-bedroom council flat in Gateshead which is Band A Council Tax (the lowest band) and has a discount of 25% for people living on their own.

You can complete the table with your own details to find out if you can afford it.

Please Note: These costs should only be used as a rough guide. The costs are realistic but not exact and will change every year. If you think about, the more you use something the more it will cost! If your browser is not javascript enabled and you would like to use this facility please telephone Communications on 0191 433 5382.

You need to think carefully about if you can afford to live independently. Most 16 or 17 year olds can't get jobseeker’s allowance (JSA) or income support. If you're 16 or 17 and unemployed or don't have a training place you may get these benefits if you're not living at home, but it can be difficult. Normally you have to show that you are really struggling without these benefits.

If you're 18 or over and unemployed you should be able to get job seeker’s allowance (JSA) or income support. You need to show identification (I.D.) to get these benefits and sign on regularly at your nearest Job Centre. More information

Benefits may also be available if you are on a low income. Please see the “help with rent and council tax” section for more information, or contact welfare benefits advisor.

The national minimum wage gives employees good minimum standards and fairness in the workplace. It applies to nearly all workers and sets hourly rates that employers must pay and not fall below.

£3.00 per hour             16 & 17 Year Olds
£4.25 per hour             18 – 21 year olds
£5.05 per hour             22 years and older (except on some training schemes)

Please visit http://www.dti.gov.uk/er/nmw/ for more on the national minimum wage.

For more information on Council housing benefits