Council Tax and child turning 18 but still student

MrsBartolozzi

I've just had a letter from the Council Tax people and I'd like a bit of advice please.

I was (still am eligible) in receipt of both single person discount and CTB - I am on JSA and get CTC for the kids, and maintenance from their Dad.
My elder son was 18 earlier this month, is still technically at school and is going to uni in September (has a confirmed place not waiting for exam results etc).
Because he turned 18 I am now to provide evidence: that child benefit is still in payment for him; evidence of his income from his birthday; evidence from his place of study if a student. My CTB and single person benefit have been stopped as of yesterday and I am now to pay the full CT from then. I need to provide all this evidence within 7 days.This came out of the blue as I had a letter last week saying that I'd lost my single person disc but because I was on JSA I'd still get full CTB.
Ok, I tried phoning the CB line but it's busy and the computer voice person hung up on me, so I'll try later today. Will they be able to provide me with the evidence needed in 7 days? I don't have any paperwork saying I get Cb for him is there any other avenue I could try?

He is not working - despite attempts to get a summer job his income is zero - how would I prove this? His bank account has had a few deposits recently (only a couple of hundred) from birthday gifts so I don't want them to think it's regular income as it's not.

He has had no official letter from Glasgow Uni other than departmental bumph/info etc. The acceptance and application were done electronically and while he has welcome emails I'm not sure this is acceptable? Would they accept a print out?
I previously took in his SAAS loan statement but they didn't want that - it says which uni and which course but not enough apparently.

I'd appreciate any help as I would struggle to find the money they are expecting me to magic up now that they've cancelled my CTB.
Thanks.

AnxiousMum

If your son has an offer - either conditional or unconditional - he should also have a hard copy letter from UCAS showing his choices. My son also registered electronically, but has had everything backed up in hard copy - so a copy stating what his first choice is, grades needed, and what his insuance option is - and grades needed. Also lists the three uni's he rejected. These would've come addressed to your son though.

Indie_Kid

AnxiousMum wrote: »

If your son has an offer - either conditional or unconditional - he should also have a hard copy letter from UCAS showing his choices. My son also registered electronically, but has had everything backed up in hard copy - so a copy stating what his first choice is, grades needed, and what his insuance option is - and grades needed. Also lists the three uni's he rejected. These would've come addressed to your son though.

Don't they also get letters from the universities with the offers on too?

AnxiousMum

Yes actually Sh1305 - they do. He's also just received a written confirmation of his electronic application for accommodation at his first choice, and correspondence from second saying that if he doesn't get first choice, he has guaranteed accommodation at second choice uni. There should likely also be some correspondence from Student Loans, as the deadline for applications has now passed.

MrsBartolozzi

Yes he does have the UCAS letter with his choices on it but what I was told they want is something from the uni he will definitely be studying at with the term dates etc (at least that's what I remember). There was definitely no hard copy sent with this on it. I hoped someone might know if they'd accept an email print out, as I'd have to get something from the uni instead.
I previously took in his loan statement which said what money he'd get and when and the uni and course details but they said it wasn't right - no clue as to what would be right though.
Still can't get through to CB...:(

Indie_Kid

He won't find out until August if he's got in.

MrsBartolozzi

SH1305 he is in.
He got an unconditional offer from Glasgow uni which he accepted. His loan and accommodation etc are all in place. Roll on 10th September lol.

I'd still like to know how one proves they have no income though? Any ideas?

AnxiousMum

You don't have to prove he has no 'income', just that he's a student. Students are not liable for Council tax, so he wouldn't be seen as a paying adult responsible for council tax if you can prove he is a continuing student.

MrsBartolozzi

Thanks for that Anxiousmum, that might have proved very difficult otherwise.
Now I only have to get through to CB, phew.

Numberlock

AnxiousMum wrote: »

You don't have to prove he has no 'income', just that he's a student. Students are not liable for Council tax, so he wouldn't be seen as a paying adult responsible for council tax if you can prove he is a continuing student.

Even if your son had a part-time job or summer job his earnings would be regarded as "casual earnings" and would not have to be declared as he's still at school and will be continuing his education....

Regarding his exemption to pay Council Tax on his home address now that he has turned 18. You or he should contact the relevant Student Help office at Glasgow Uni and ask them to supply a Student Exemption Certificate (for Council Tax liability) which will state all relevant information. You should then send this Certificate to your Council offices. Not sure if you can do that now or whether you will have to wait until he's officially started his Uni course....

catz1ct

The Housing Benefit department should be able to check directly with the Child Benefit department to confirm whether or not you are receiving Child Benefit. I know ours can but other councils might be a bit different in how they go about it.

Your son should be able to complete a "statement of nil income" to confirm that he is not receiving any income for the period between him ending school/college and starting uni.

AFAIK they will need some sort of confirmation letter from the uni to state that he will be attending the course but I think as long as its proven you are still receiving child benefit then there shouldn't be any problem with that.

Its basically to confirm whether or not he is a non-dependant person.

Edit: Reading the comments above people are getting confused with Council Tax and Council Tax Benefit. The OP has stated this is in relation to her Council Tax Benefit being suspended/stopped.