Can I still claim benefits whilst doing my apprenticeship?

[JLCooper]

I've recently been offered a commercial apprenticeship with a good company. As some may know, the minimum wage however for apprentices is £2.50 within the first year of training (if you're over 19, I'm currently 20). The company have agreed to pay me slightly over that amount, instead paying me £2.80 an hour but I fear that even though I'll be getting slightly more than usual apprenticeships that it will still affect me quite badly when it comes to benefits I'm currently receiving.

As mentioned, I'm 20 years old and live with my partner in a 1 bed flat which we pay £400 a month for. My partner currently works full-time and earns something between £500-£600 a month. As up until now I was unemployed for quite some time, my partner and I were receiving reduced housing benefits, council tax deductions and working tax credit. As it is we're struggling to pay bills and some of my partners debts from his past, so I'm worrying that if I take up this apprenticeship that we will lose all the benefits and end up a lot worse off.

If anyone can help me with this, it'd be most appreciated, I'm just hoping there's something I can do in order to be able to take this apprenticeship.

[razza]

Get in touch with your local benefit office,they will advise you,also get in touch with your local council.

[mike11111]

I don't know the answer but I suspect that although your benefits will be reduced by the amount you earn, you will be no worse off in the long run, although you may well be working for the same money as when you weren't. You need to offset this against the benefit of meaningful employment after your apprenticeship. You need professional advice from the benefits people.