When your child turns 19?

K_Aitch

The more I read, the more confused I am. I am a single mum just finishing a full time degree. My daughter is 19 and left college last June, she applied to university did not get offered a place and waited for clearing. In the meantime her child benefit stopped because she was not on any course. I had no choice but support her on my student loan. Despite the struggle we did it, then she started an Apprenticeship in March earning 2.60 an hour - barely covers her travel. Now I am told that because she was not a dependent (not eligible for child benefit) she was a non dependent and my housing benefit was affected... causing an 3k overpayment.
How can this be right? I really thought finishing my degree would answer our financial strains because I could gain higher paid employment, only to find myself in a worse position than when I started university and with massive debts and unable to pay the extra rent.
Can anybody give advice on what I can do to get myself out of this situation, I am actively seeking work but until I get a job I am in a desperate situation which may lead to eviction and losing my car.

Dunroamin

Didn't she claim JSA between September and June and contribute out of that?

Doesn't she pay for her keep out of her apprenticeship pay?

pmlindyloo

Dunroamin wrote: »

Didn't you claim the Adult Dependants' Grant for her?

Didn't she claim JSA between September and June and contribute out of that?

Doesn't she pay for her keep out of her apprenticeship pay?

I believe that adult dependant sons and daughters are not eligible for that grant - happy to be corrected.

OP are you claiming any benefits? As a single mum and a student you might be eligible for some help. Have you tried applying for HB and CTB. I think Income Support may be also available according to this link:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/moneytaxandbenefits/benefitstaxcreditsandothersupport/on_a_low_income/dg_10034876


Benefits and students are rather complicated and unfortunately you can't use an online benefits calculator.

As regards the Council Tax then I feel that they are correct. Sorry, misread - you are talking about HB. Same thing applies though. When your daughter turned 19 she did indeed become an adult non dependant. I believe the deduction is about £9 a week.

You should have/are able to claim a Second Adult Rebate on your council tax but this will be dependant on her earnings.

Your daughter is expected to contribute something to the household but I know how difficult this is when she receives little after travelling expenses.

My advice would be to contact the council and ask about HB and CTB. If you are/were eligible you may get it backdated for a short time. Ask about this.

If you are still liable for some backdated HB then check that their figures are correct - seems high to me. You should be able to make an agreement with the council to pay this back at an affordable amount.

Also telephone about Income Support and ask if you are eligible. Not entirely sure about this one. Can't be more specific, sorry, but a lot depends on the loans/income you have.

You could try CAB for help too.

As regards your current situation you need to sort out your entitlement to benefits first.

If you are not eligible for any help then I should post on the Debtfree wannabe forum for support with your debts.

Dunroamin

pmlindyloo wrote: »

I believe that adult dependant sons and daughters are not eligible for that grant - happy to be corrected.
.

You're quite right, I hadn't realised that before. Thank you.

I would add to your very thorough list that the OP needs to be stepping up her job hunting as her degree was obviously intended to lead into employment.