Family Working Tax Credits - Informing of changes

Newwashingmachine

Hi,

I wonder if someone could help me?

My child has reached the age of 16 and is about to start work.

I informed Child Tax Credits as I know it will affect it - BUT - they said that I can't do anything till August?

I can't understand this and why they can't change the details immediately. I'm very concerned that I may get overpaid (I know you will say keep the money separately) BUT I'm more worried that it will be classed as fraud? How can I confirm that I have definately told them about the changes when the only way to contact is via telephone.

Thanks in advance for any help

Horseunderwater

The CTC normally gets stopped on the August following their 16th Birthday - did they start going to college or are they in an apprenticeship? Surely if they have only just got to 16 years old they have to take some exams or did that happen last school year? Until you let us know when they attained 16 we cannot give the right answer.

Newwashingmachine

Hiya - thanks for replying.

notanewuser

Newwashingmachine wrote: »

Hiya - thanks for replying.

They just reached 16 at the beginning of December and have left school to start work with their uncle as an apprentice joiner.

I'm not sure they're allowed to leave school until the May of year 11, are they?!

Newwashingmachine

He has he's been signed off officially at the school.

notanewuser

Newwashingmachine wrote: »

He has he's been signed off officially at the school.

On what grounds. AFAIK he legally has to be in full time education until the last Friday in June of his GCSE year. The entire system is fixed around that.

Are you seriously happy for him to sit no GCSEs? Can't the apprenticeship wait a few more months?

Newwashingmachine

Thanks for that.

plum2002

The CTC will stop in August, the rule is the end of August following their 16th birthday. You actually only need to inform HMRC if your child is continuing with education past that date.

Ignore the nosey parker, it is none of their business as to whether or not he sits exams as you were not asking about that, merely about CTC.

Newwashingmachine

plum2002 wrote: »

The CTC will stop in August, the rule is the end of August following their 16th birthday. You actually only need to inform HMRC if your child is continuing with education past that date.

Ignore the nosey parker, it is none of their business as to whether or not he sits exams as you were not asking about that, merely about CTC.

Thanks very much - it seems very unfair that I will still get this when my son has left school and is working.

It's a weird system - I was just concerned that I might end up having to pay it back and also get into trouble for getting money when he's working.

Wail

plum2002 wrote: »

The CTC will stop in August, the rule is the end of August following their 16th birthday. You actually only need to inform HMRC if your child is continuing with education past that date.

Ignore the nosey parker, it is none of their business as to whether or not he sits exams as you were not asking about that, merely about CTC.

This advice is bang on the money. Although my advice would be to retain notes and the letters allowing your son to do this in case anyone decides to report you or HMRC does a compliance check.

Newwashingmachine

Thanks for your advice. I will keep the notes about him leaving school. It's all above board as someone from an Apprenticeship based place has already been to see him.

What would HMRC do a compliance check for please?