Families in Northern Ireland face weekly benefit losses of £17 to more than £330 when a 16-year-old begins an apprenticeship. The losses stem from the end of Child Benefit and parts of Universal Credit. A report by the Social Security Advisory Committee details these effects across the UK.

Parents lose financial support immediately upon the young person leaving full-time education for work-based training. Apprentices receive wages, but these often fail to cover the full drop in household income. Some families stay worse off even if the apprentice contributes all earnings.

Households with a disabled young person suffer the largest impacts, as extra support ends and exceeds typical apprentice pay. Single-parent families, young carers, care leavers, and estranged youth face heightened risks.

Families keeping children in full-time education retain most benefits, even with part-time earnings. This setup disadvantages apprenticeships despite government support for vocational paths.

Dr Stephen Brien, chair of the Social Security Advisory Committee, stated the social security system penalises families for apprenticeship choices and risks long-term decisions based on short-term costs.

Lack of awareness among families and advisers causes unexpected income drops. Some young people quit apprenticeships as a result.

The committee urges reforms, including better information, protections for vulnerable groups, and recognition of 16-to-18-year-olds' financial dependence on parents.