oldest child 16 = loss in money

sammyw

What happens with child benefit and tax credits when the oldest child turns 16? Does the 2nd oldest child get the oldest child rate or do subsequent children stay at lower rate?
I've just checked my tax credit paperwork and it looks like we'll lose £200 from our tax credits in september. That's about half even though only 1 of our 3 children is going to be 16. Is that right? Surely it should be a third if there's 3 children going to 2 children?

Indie_Kid

Is the 16 year old staying on in education? if so, you won't lose the benefits.

SuzySu

I can agree with sh1305 - if your 16 year old is staying in education you will keep their child benefit payments until they are 18 or leave school/college. When the eldest child's payments finish your other children stay at the rate they are on now....the next oldest doesn't "move up" and get a higher rate.

The same applies for tax credits I think.

System

SuzySu wrote: »

When the eldest child's payments finish your other children stay at the rate they are on now....the next oldest doesn't "move up" and get a higher rate.

I believe that's wrong. The eldest child for whom you continue to be entitled to Child Benefit will be on the higher rate, regardless of whether or not that child is your eldest child or second child.

sammyw

Thanks for your replies - it's so unclear on the official websites. My eldest isn't sure what he wants to do as yet. He's thinking along the lines of an apprenticeship so I don't think that's included as further education as it's less than 12 hours education per week.

starr1984

For child benefit it 100% moves on too second eldest child i phoned them 2 days ago too ask.

bestpud

Your next child down will receive the £20 child benefit, as said.

Tax credits shouldn't halve unless there are other factors, such as a change in income over the last couple of years...?

You need to get tough with him and tell him he needs to be in education or a job, I'm afraid. It's very easy to drift at that age and he may need a gentle shove!

If he starts an apprenticeship, he can pay you 'keep' out of his wage.

AnxiousMum

SuzySu wrote: »

I can agree with sh1305 - if your 16 year old is staying in education you will keep their child benefit payments until they are 18 or leave school/college. When the eldest child's payments finish your other children stay at the rate they are on now....the next oldest doesn't "move up" and get a higher rate.

The same applies for tax credits I think.

Are you sure? I have checked my child benefit letter - and where one child has now turned of age not to get child benefit, the next child now gets the 'first child' rate.....

ETA: Sorry - didn't read on to see that others had also pointed this out!

sammyw

Thanks again
Nothing else will have changed regarding the tax credits, but their predicted payments definitely halve from September and the only thing that is changing is that my eldest will be 16. When we renew I'll have to check on that - hopefully he'll have made a decision about his future by then.
We're going to connexions later for some advice on training etc. If he decides on job based training then he will be asked for housekeeping!

NASA_2

SuzySu wrote: »

I can agree with sh1305 - if your 16 year old is staying in education you will keep their child benefit payments until they are 18 or leave school/college. When the eldest child's payments finish your other children stay at the rate they are on now....the next oldest doesn't "move up" and get a higher rate.

The same applies for tax credits I think.

Child Benefit can actually continue up to the point the 'child' turns 20 now.

flea72

sammyw wrote: »

Thanks again
Nothing else will have changed regarding the tax credits, but their predicted payments definitely halve from September and the only thing that is changing is that my eldest will be 16. When we renew I'll have to check on that - hopefully he'll have made a decision about his future by then.
We're going to connexions later for some advice on training etc. If he decides on job based training then he will be asked for housekeeping!

they automatically assume that your child wont be continuing in education from September, so this is why your predicted figures have halved

they are only predicted figures. once you know what your child is planning to do come september, you contact them and let them know

F