Volunteer opportunities, rights and expenses
When you can volunteer
Age limits
There鈥檚 no upper age limit on volunteering.
Some organisations鈥� insurance policies do not cover you if you鈥檙e under 16 or over a certain age.
You cannot work for a profit-making organisation if you鈥檙e under 14, even if you鈥檙e not paid.
Your local council might have extra rules about the work you can do as a young person.
Volunteering and benefits
You can volunteer and claim benefits if:
- the only money you get from volunteering is to cover expenses, like travel costs
- you continue to meet the conditions of the benefit you get
Criminal records
If you have a criminal record you can still volunteer in most roles, depending on your offences. You might need a Disclosure and Barring Service check if you want to volunteer with children or vulnerable adults.