Full Time Education, and Full Time Hours on Part Time Contract

speedbelly

I am 18 years old, turning 19 in September. I have currently finished the first year of my a levels, and will be doing my second year starting in september. Since November, I have been in full time education and doing 35 hours of work a week( on a part time 6 hour a week contract). I make just over £900 a month after tax ( I am paying a ridiculous 20% tax). I have been living alone since March. With EMA completely stopping from September, I can see it getting a little bit more difficult for me.

Truth be told, it is getting a bit difficult now, and I have been reading up on the direct.gov website, however I have not found myself to fall into any category. Therefore I would like to know, if anyone is aware of any benefits that I may be entitled to? My parents used to receive child benefits for me (£20 a week), and child tax credit ( around £60 a week).

So to sum up
- Full time college
- Full time work ( on a part time 6 hour/week contract)

Is there any support that I may be able to get?

Anubis_2

Why is your EMA stopping, or why has it been paid if earning £900 pcm? Your 6 contracted hours have little to do with getting help, it is your income that will be considered as you are too young for tax credits unless you are responsible for a child or considered disabled.

What are your current living arrangements? Are you living with your parents? Or do you rent elsewhere? What are your rent costs?

To be honest 900 per month should be enough to survive on for a single 18 year old, or do you have a partner you live with?

You may be able to get some help towards travel costs but doubt anything else for non advanced study is available given your earnings. http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/educationandlearning/14to19/moneytolearn/extrahelp/dg_066984

Have a look here too http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/benefits_e/benefits_children_and_young_people_ew/young_people_and_benefits.htm

paddedjohn

Why would you believe you were entitled to benefits when you are already earning £900 per month? By the way most of us have to pay that amount of tax (20%) so you are not being singled out.

kingfisherblue

When you say that you are paying 20% tax, do you mean that you are not receiving your personal tax alowance before the 20% kicks in? If you are receiving your tax allowance, then 20% is the amount that most people pay. If you are paying 20% on everything that you earn, maybe you are on emergency tax for some reason - ask your employer.

£900 is a decent wage for an 18 year old. many people older than you earn less. If you can't manage on that, perhpas you should pop over to the Debtfree Wannabe board, post a Statement of Affairs (you will find a sticky on the board), and ask for advice on learning to manage your money better.

BigAunty

Is there any reason why you can't cope with a decrease to a mere £200 a week net income after EMA ceases?

speedbelly

I live alone, and no I no longer receive EMA as it has stopped this year.

The reason I find it hard to cope on £900 a month is because I support my grandma abroad by sending just under £450 a month for her living costs.

However I'm quite sure that will not be taken into consideration.

As for the tax, I get taxed 20% on everything I earn.

Thanks for your help anyways.

speedbelly

As for the £900 per month, it is an average over 7 months, that includes months where I have been paid the minimum of £400 for the month, and months where I have been paid the maximum of £1600 per month.

Anubis_2

00kamil wrote: »

I live alone, and no I no longer receive EMA as it has stopped this year.

The reason I find it hard to cope on £900 a month is because I support my grandma abroad by sending just under £450 a month for her living costs.

However I'm quite sure that will not be taken into consideration.

As for the tax, I get taxed 20% on everything I earn.

Thanks for your help anyways.

Did you still receive the EMA while you were earning? You shouldn't have if you did.

What you send to your Grandma will not be taken into consideration.

Are you living with your parents?

As for random monthly amounts, you will need to put away on a good month to use on a bad one.

BigAunty

Go to your college support services - they should be able to assist you with student finance and benefit advice, plus they may have a hardship fund.

See the Direct Gov website about student finance.

Benefits never take into account personal expenses, whatever they are - your living expenses are totally irrelevant.

Full time students without disabilities or dependents do not get benefits, other than those who are estranged from their parents and your college support services will be able to advise on this.

karenx

Your problem is that you give your gran half of your income. I know you think ur doing good by doing this but in reality it's causing you problems.
Is there a reason you do this and not your parents or why she can't support herself?

maginot

Well done for working and trying to get an education, as I know this is hard.
However on £900 a month, this is plenty to be able to live on, especially without dependants. You need to stop sending money to your gran as you need to live yourself and the state are not going to give you extra money to send to your gran. If you live on your own have you thought about sharing with others, this will reduce your living costs.