Council Tax Benefit Advice

maryam6609

Hello,

I am a single mum and I have a son who goes to University now. I had a letter from the Census District Council to say that my council tax benefit has been suspended because I do not receive child benefit. As a matter of fact I am still receiving child benefit and they are now asking me for proof of my sons student status, is there any reason for this? They are also asking for my payslip and my latest tax credit award letter.

Please tell me as to why they're asking for my sons student status? Does it make a difference to them?

Thanks,

princessdon

So you have younger children?

Mojisola

If he's a uni student, you shouldn't be getting CB for him.

maryam6609

This is a council tax enquiry, it's nothing to do with child benefit.

Do you think they want this information so they can pass it over to child benefit?

cockaleekee

maryam6609 wrote: »

This is a council tax enquiry, it's nothing to do with child benefit.

Do you think they want this information so they can pass it over to child benefit?

How very rude! If they have stopped your CTB because there is an inconsistency in your CB claim, CB has everything to do with it.

princessdon

maryam6609 wrote: »

This is a council tax enquiry, it's nothing to do with child benefit.

Do you think they want this information so they can pass it over to child benefit?

No it's because adult children are expected to contribute. You can apply for an exemption as they are a student returning home BUT you are claiming CB and perhaps CTC fraudulently and this will catch up at some point and penalties, over payments in place.

maryam6609

My child benefit has not been cancelled and neither has my tax credit so I just want to know why the council tax benefit department want to know my sons student status.

cockaleekee

maryam6609 wrote: »

My child benefit has not been cancelled and neither has my tax credit so I just want to know why the council tax benefit department want to know my sons student status.

Because he is no longer an eligible child for the purposes of calculating CTB. As advised, you also need to contact HMRC to advise that he is no longer eligible - the longer you leave it, the greater the overpayment (and potentially, penalty) will be.

Dunroamin

cockaleekee wrote: »

Because he is no longer an eligible child for the purposes of calculating CTB. As advised, you also need to contact HMRC to advise that he is no longer eligible - the longer you leave it, the greater the overpayment (and potentially, penalty) will be.

And the greater the risk of prosecution as well.

plum2002

If your son is at university then Child benefit and CTC 'should' have stopped - if it hasn't then the onus is on you to notify them that he is in tertiary education for 16-19 year olds and it should then stop. I'm not sure that there is any reason for it to carry on once a child is at university?

princessdon

plum2002 wrote: »

If your son is at university then Child benefit and CTC 'should' have stopped - if it hasn't then the onus is on you to notify them that he is in tertiary education for 16-19 year olds and it should then stop. I'm not sure that there is any reason for it to carry on once a child is at university?

Benefit fraud is fraud - no matter how you dress it up.

Hope you saved the money for the payments you owe.