Panic time! School leaver

[jadeybags]

My 18 yr old son has just informed me that he has finished school, as in signed off 6th form now, last friday (before half term)

He is due to start college in september.

I only spoke to HMRC the other day about him going to college & it's been put on their system for tax credits. But officially he is no longer in education is he! When he started 6th form, it was a 2 year course, yet it's not 2 years is it?! Am I supposed to stop claiming housing benefit/tax credits with him classed as in education, from now until september?

This came about as another lad today said he should claim Job seekers allowance until he goes to college? And it got me thinking. Can he even do that?

 

When I say signed off 6th form, I mean his course has actually finished, he's done his exams. He hasn't left before he was supposed to or anything like that.

[Nystagmite]

He can claim job seekers allowance if he's in between 6th form and college. But you may find that you're worse off if he does this; as your benefits for him will stop.

[janis6670]

if he is continuing to further education-- not higher education, you will continue to receive child benefit. this continues till one month after his 20th birthday

[jadeybags]

I feel mean now then because it's a catch 22, he can't claim JSA if I still claim child benefit. Trouble is, if I don't claim child benefit, CSA will stop & housing benefit & working tax credits will go down? And it's not like he will be able to pay rent out of JSA

[flumps1976]

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/childbenefit/keep-up-to-date/when-child-aged-16/child-16.htm

 

Child leaves education or training - and is 18 or over

 

Your payments will normally carry on from the date your child leaves education or training that counts for Child Benefit, until the week that includes the earliest of these dates:

• the last day of February
  
• 31 May
  
• 31 August
  
• 30 November
  

But if one of the following happens, your payments will stop straightaway:

• your child starts paid work for 24 hours a week or more
  
• your child gets certain benefits, such as Income Support or Employment and Support Allowance, or tax credits in their own right
  
• your child reaches the age of 20
  

You will need to report any of these changes to the Child Benefit Office.

 

If he is going to continue in education I would carry on with the child benefit claim so that your benefits continue as normal.

I know it may not be easy but he could look for a part time job if he wants some extra cash during the summer period before he starts college

[jadeybags]

Yes, he's going to try that, in the Tesco express or somewhere.

So I not breaking the law still claiming between now & september then. Was worrying about that.

[flumps1976]

nope you will be fine jadeybags