Something I have never understood

lady_fuschia

Why are working tax credits not available for childless under 25's? What's the reasoning behind it?

singlehouseholder

Good question, it seems those resposible enough- or those that make the choice no NOT have kids under get screwed over yet again.I'm just under the measly threshold but that doesnt mean I dont still have a mortgage to pay, which I might add, is just over half of my monthly pay. I should really take in a lodger but I have an embarrasing condition and the bathroom is right next to the spare room.I have no choice but to live in debt ( but its only debt if you cant afford to pay it-thats my motto.)

lady_fuschia

To be honest I can't claim them now anyway, because my wage is just over the threshold, but its something that puzzles me. Why would a 24 year old need extra help any less than a 26 year old on the same wage? I always thought there must be a reason given by the government, however inadequate, but I can't find one anywhere! Then they moan about how terrible it is that people are taking longer to get on the property ladder or move out of their parents houses.

CIS

Its not just tax credits, other benefits take in to account when your over 25yrs of age, tax credits have just carried on with that system.

I presume the they expect that most people are in uni/college until their mid 20's and thus dont need support until all of that is finished and they start full time work rather than education.

Its a stupid way of doing it.

chugalug

I've always assumed it's because of the restriction in benefits for under 25's which was brought in by dear old Maggie! It was decided that under 25's should remain at home if they can't afford to move out (or to reduce the social security bill???). Benefit rates were changed to reflect different ages ie under 18's, 18-25's and over 25's. This had the effect of leaving under 25's with less money to live on should anything happen. The single room rent restriction was also brought in for under 25's claiming housing benefit. The fact that someone under 25 is an adult didnt seem to register. Also, the minimum wage is less for youngsters so maybe connected to that?

crutches

yes its a tory thing thats suited labour financially to keep going!;)

vote plaid!;)

lady_fuschia

Considering your average university degree is three years long, most people would finish uni at 21- leaving four years before being able to claim- and that's assuming that everyone went to uni, which they don't obviously.

Its no wonder people have kids at 16 really is it?

Anyone know what benefits can be claimed by under 25's then?

Scarlett1

lady_fuschia wrote:

Considering your average university degree is three years long, most people would finish uni at 21- leaving four years before being able to claim

maybe its thought that people who attend uni go on to have higher paid jobs, so WTC would be pocket money to them so therefore not needed

lady_fuschia

That's one of those popularly held beliefs that doesn't really work out.
Although graduates earn mor ein the long rrun, amongst people I know, those in their early twenties who left school at sixteen are actually earning more than those who went to uni, cos they've had more time to establish their careers. There's this great myth that you go to uni and walk straight into £20 grand a year. Not true.
Besides, it still makes no sense.

Should this discussion be on a different board by the way?

[Deleted User]

Discriminating on age basis ?? I'd like to see it tested in court.

lady_fuschia

I've always thought that under 25's if anything were more likely to need a little help- seeing as they're just starting out in their careers and likely to be on a low wage, trying to gather the money to move out and become independent etc.