Daughter gone to university.

sandss

My eldest daughter is now at university, she started on 10th of September and is living in student accommodation.

So I notified the housing benefit office as child benefit has now finished for her and received a notice telling me my housing benefit has been reduced by £80.00 per month.

I think this is ridiculous, she has not permanently left home, she still needs her room, are we supposed to leave our home now and move to a smaller house.
Is going to university classed as if they have left for good.

Charityworker

Yes I'm afraid child benefit stops if your child goes to uni or reaches 19 (whichever comes first). Your child is counted as self sufficient now. I'm not saying I agree but that's the way it is.

BigAunty

Wasn't there a similar thread recently which disputed this type of HB deduction? Anyone got a link?

System

It's no different to an 18 yo joining the Forces. They no longer live at the address although it may still be their permanent address in the UK rather than a barrack block. Entitlement to HB for an extra room stops

Morlock

BigAunty wrote: »

Wasn't there a similar thread recently which disputed this type of HB deduction? Anyone got a link?

This one?

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4181921

pmlindyloo

BigAunty wrote: »

Wasn't there a similar thread recently which disputed this type of HB deduction? Anyone got a link?

Yes, here it is:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4181921=

My understanding is that university students can class the family home as their main residence and therefore be entitled to a bedroom allocated if their absence is temporary - that is they return home within 52 weeks and intend to come back home at the end of university.

I think the OP could argue this point with the council and quote the links.

anguk

BigAunty wrote: »

Wasn't there a similar thread recently which disputed this type of HB deduction? Anyone got a link?

Is this the thread?

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4181921

When a child goes to university they seem to be in some sort of limbo land, for benefits purposes they're no longer your dependant so any money you get for them is stopped but for student finance purposes they are still your dependant and any grants they get are based on your income.

My daughter has gone to live in halls but if I remember correctly her halls contract is only for 42 weeks, it's expected she'll live at home during the holidays. I was wondering if you have to inform the benefit office every time they come home during holidays because then you'll have a non-dependant living in your house? I find it all a bit confusing. :huh:

McKneff

Is there any reason why you cannot look for employment.

Owain_Moneysaver

can you let her room on a term-time let to a student at a local uni?

Charityworker

McKneff wrote: »

Is there any reason why you cannot look for employment.

He/she might already be in employment. It is possible to be in employment and still on benefit you know.

McKneff

Yes, I know that but presumably if they have dropped the HB by £80 he/she must be getting one hell of a lot of HB to start with.

Maybe I should have said

If you are already in employment is there any reason why you cant get more hours/an extra job.