Son 18 leaving school this summer

flyingember

Hi,

I have looked on the internet but I can not find the answer to this question.

My son is 18 years old and in the 6th year, he will leave school this summer following his exams. He hopes to go to university, results permitting. I currently receive child benefit and both types of tax credits. When will these benefits drop to take account of his new status? I have another child still at school and I have worked out that I will still get tax credits and of course child ben, but obviously at a lower rate.

Thank you in advance

fe

MrsBartolozzi

Hi there, my elder son turned 18 last year so I have an idea of when the changes occur.
You should tell child benefit that he will be leaving school in the summer and you will be paid CB until the beginning of September. You must also tell CTC in July/August because they will not stop paying you unless you tell them and then you'll have an overpayment. The money from them ends towards the end of August (the last week I seem to remember).
As you will still have another child your wtc won't be affected (as it would be if you only worked say 16 hours and had no other children) but you will only then get ctc for your other child (around £50 a week). As for CB your second child will now be the eldest to get CB and so will get £20.30 rather than the £13.40 at present.net result: losing ~ £54 (£40 ctc + £13.40) per week.
HTH.

flyingember

Hi

Many thanks for this swift and very helpful reply.

fe

melbi_uk

If your child is staying in education or training
You can carry on getting Child Benefit for your child up until their 20th birthday, if they're in education or training that counts for Child Benefit. Education or training counts for Child Benefit as long as it's either of the following:
full-time, 'non-advanced' education (for example 'A' levels)
'approved' training
Your child needs to have started, enrolled or been accepted for one of these types of courses before the age of 19.
You can't get Child Benefit if your child is doing:
higher education, such as a course at university level
education provided by an employer
education provided through any office they hold - for example if your child has an official role such as scout leader or councillor, and the education is provided as part of that role
training that is part of a job contract