Tax credits/further education.

jfw51

I'm divorced and self employed. At the moment my youngest child is studying A levels so I receive child tax credits and working tax credits. Next year she is intending to do a 1 year foundation course before going on to a degree. The foundation counts as further education so I would still get tax credits for her. However she is intending to study in another town where the college is better, my ex and his father will pay her hall of residence and contribute towards her living costs. My home will still be her permanent address. She will still live with me during the holidays and I will obviously still be contributing to her costs, responsible for driving her to and from college etc. If I fill in the tax credit calculator it just asks if I have children under 20 and if they are in full time education and then shows that I still qualify but i assumed I won't get child tax credits unless she lives with me full time. Does anyone know which is correct.

Icequeen99

jfw51 wrote: »

I'm divorced and self employed. At the moment my youngest child is studying A levels so I receive child tax credits and working tax credits. Next year she is intending to do a 1 year foundation course before going on to a degree. The foundation counts as further education so I would still get tax credits for her. However she is intending to study in another town where the college is better, my ex and his father will pay her hall of residence and contribute towards her living costs. My home will still be her permanent address. She will still live with me during the holidays and I will obviously still be contributing to her costs, responsible for driving her to and from college etc. If I fill in the tax credit calculator it just asks if I have children under 20 and if they are in full time education and then shows that I still qualify but i assumed I won't get child tax credits unless she lives with me full time. Does anyone know which is correct.

You won't qualify for CTC. The course not only has to be full time it has to be non advanced education. I think if you check you will find that foundation degree courses are counted as preparation for a degree and therefore are 'advanced' education.

She won't be normally living with you either if she moves away.

IQ

pmlindyloo

Just to confirm. She will be living in halls of residence whilst at college?

Have you checked to see if this course is regarded as non advanced education?

I think this one can only be answered by the tax credits office.

Perhaps one of our regular posters who are tax credits 'experts' can help.

Edit. Too slow!

jfw51

She will be in the halls during term time and at home in the holidays.
It isn't a foundation degree it is a further education 1 year foundation diploma in art.

Icequeen99

jfw51 wrote: »

She will be in the halls during term time and at home in the holidays.
It isn't a foundation degree it is a further education 1 year foundation diploma in art.

You need to find out more about the course and speak to tax credit office. If it is at a Uni (sounds like it is if she is living in halls) then even if it isn't a foundation degree it sounds like it is a foundation course that will prepare for a degree.

What is the qualification she will receive at the end of it?

See http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/manuals/tctmanual/tctm02230.htm

further down the page. If it is HNC or HND for example it won't count as that is advanced education.

IQ