Son just enrolled on at college, what are our entitlements?

pinchez

Hi

Our son (16) as just enrolled on a 2 year college course (A level), 3 mornings pw but only 11.5 hours pw.

Up until last month we used to receive child benefit and about £10 pw child tax credit. My wife and I earn under £30k a year and have been told by friends we will be able to carry on getting the benefits we used to get. Is this true?

My worry is that my son is only attending college for 11.5 hours pw so will we still be able to get the benefits we used to? Also is there anything else we can claim, for example towards his travel expenses?

And finally If he were to find a part time job would we lose these benefits should we be entitled to them in the first place?

Thanks

skintandscared_2

Have you tried putting different scenarios into the benefits check-up calculator on here?

I'd say that with your son's hours at college it's not a case of "if" he gets a job - that surely has to be a definite intention! If only to add experience to his CV and put him in a good position when going for interviews after his course has finished and he has his qualification. Obviously he would pay board to you which would hopefully cover any lost benefit. It's part of a his "life" education to learn to earn, pay bills and with such low hours at college it's a great time to start. Also, with less than 14 hours a week at college, he'll get bored stiff without something else to do!

looby75

your son has to be in lessons for 12 hours a week for you to be able to claim child benefits and tax credits for him. Are you 100% sure his course is only 11.5 hours a week, it seems a bit low for an A-level course, my daughter took 4 AS levels in year 12 and was in lessons for 20 hours a week, then 3 A2's in year 13 and still had 15 hours of lessons a week.

As for if he manages to get a p/t job then the good news his earnings don't affect your benefits at all Since EMA has been scrapped schools now have discretionary bursaries to help with travel and expenses, which you can apply to through the school/college. Each school/college sets it's own criteria so you would have to ask your sons collage about that.

spikeripley

If the college listed it as a 'full time' course then you should still be entitled, if they listed it as part time then its a different matter.

claire16c

Seems weird his course is only for 11.5 hours?

When I was doing 3 A levels, we had an hour of each subject per day. So 15 hours a week. And in the first year of 6th form it was 20 hours because we also did an AS level. I think thats pretty standard.

spikeripley

If it is classed as a full time course he can get a form stamped from the college finance office. My son got one to show he was a fulltime student so therefore was exempt from paying council tax because he was on a full time course. You wouldnt need this as your in a couple but it would prove his fulltime student status if you needed it.

Oldernotwiser

If it should turn out to be only part time then the simplest thing is for him to do another A/S level, which will take him over the threshold of being full time.

Can you tell us which college this is?

pinchez

Thanks for the replys.

He's definitely doing a "Full time program of study" as stated in his course handbook, On his timetable he's been given the following hours Mon - 9am to 1pm, Tue - 9am to 12.30pm and Wed 9am to 1pm. Incredibly short hours I thought, Had hoped he would be spending longer in college.

Will both the Child Benefit and Child Tax Credits people ask me for exact hours or can I say he does 3 days or mornings at college?

My sons education obviously comes first but with the loss of Benefits and extra travel costs we're going to be around £150 down pm which tbh is going to stretch us. He as been trying local supermarkets and fast food places for part time work but no luck yet.


PS.

He's doing a Level 3 Extended Diploma Creative Media Production at Confetti South Nottingham College.

skintandscared_2

From the CSA website the definition of full time education (up to and including A level grade) is:

"The definition of full time education is more than 12 hours a week of study on a course up to and including A level standard. Some examples of non-advanced education are:
Non - Advanced Education

• GCE / GCSE - A level / AS level / O level
• SCE Higher Grade or equivalent
• GNVQ / NVQ levels 1 2 & 3
• BTEC National Diploma
• SCOTVEC National Certificate
• Scottish Certificate of 6th Year Studies
• Foundation Arts Course
• Secretarial Course with GCSE entry
• NNEB
• Hairdressing Courses

This list is not exhaustive"

So 11.5 hours would not qualify as full time education.

If your son cannot find a part time job to fill in the spare time, could he sign up for a second complimentary course so he's at least doubling-up the hours of education?

needingaccountability

Speak to the college. My daughter was in same position 21 hours over a 2 week timetable instead of 24. I voiced concern, she spoke to someone, next day came home with 4 more hours on her timetable.

pinchez

Just had another look through his timetable and there seems to be an extra time slot "skills building Library" on a thursday that lasts for 2 hours but it's marked as optional, I wonder could i use this when calling the benefits office or should i ring the college first and make sure he can do this?

Thanks again so much for your help everyone