Who claims what benefits and to whom is it paid?

stef240377

I wondered if anyone can help me before i speak to the benefit enquiry line tomorrow?

My son moved out of my home last year because of difficulties he was having so my benefits for him were stopped when i reported the change. Because of his mental health issues he has now returned home to get support while going through the appropriate depts with the support of Social Services. Initially he was going to be housed by an assisted supported living scheme but because of the severity of his issues it has been agreed he would be better off at home for the time being. He went to Connexions last week to enquire about his benefit entitlement after his social worker set up an appointment for him to claim income support but was told they would not put in for it till he was in the supported living placement.
He is 17 years old and still in education. I am on benefits for myself, husband and youngest son (16) Husband is disabled and i am his carer.
Do i notify the appropriate depts to have my 17yo son added onto our exsisting claim or does he now claim as an individual? I currently get no money for him other than a sly £20 here and there from ss as was told there was no need for me to claim for him initially.
Am confused as when i previously enquired about this to the BEL was told he claimed as an individual but my circumstances weren't asked about. I dont even know if i can get Child Benefit for him as the place he was in previously are still claiming for him despite the social worker reporting them.
Thanks for any replies in advance.

nannytone_2

if he is in full time education, then you can return to claiming the child related benefits you got negore he left home.
if he isnt in full time education, i would presume he could claim ESA.
income support would be out as it is only available to young people in education that are estranged from theuir parents

stef240377

nannytone wrote: »

if he is in full time education, then you can return to claiming the child related benefits you got negore he left home.
if he isnt in full time education, i would presume he could claim ESA.
income support would be out as it is only available to young people in education that are estranged from theuir parents

Thank you for a quick response. I assumed that this may be the case but was told by SS as he had left the home and then returned he claimed his own monies from now on.

stef240377

Well it looks like im going to have to go to the job centre and speak to someone who knows what they are doing as i have rang the CTC section this morning and been told the course he is on does not qualify for tax credits and the BEL are still saying income support.