Do I need to be on benefits?

About half the hubs on this site say you can get help whether or not you claim Universal Credit or any other benefit. A few are only for people who claim Universal Credit. For the rest, we don't know yet, so ask the hub. When we do know, the hub's page tells you, just under the hub's name. That's also where it says whether you need to book first or can just drop in.

A work coach is the person you see at the Jobcentre if you claim Universal Credit. If a hub's page says "Ask your work coach", that means your work coach sets up your first visit. If you're already claiming, ask your work coach about it at your next appointment. They'll know the hub and can refer you there.

If you're not on benefits and the hub near you is only for people who claim Universal Credit, don't give up. Call or email the hub and ask if you can come anyway. If that doesn't work, check the other hubs near you, because some are open to everyone.

If you go to a Youth Hub by your own choice, it changes nothing about your benefits. If your work coach referred you and put the hub in your claimant commitment, those appointments are part of your claim, so treat them like Jobcentre appointments: turn up, and if you can't, tell your work coach beforehand. Missing them without a good reason can affect your money, the same as missing a Jobcentre appointment.

What you talk about at a hub is treated as private. Like anyone who works with young people, hub staff have one exception: if they think you or someone else is in danger, they have to tell someone who can help, and they should tell you they're doing it.

Find your nearest Youth Hub