Housing benefit help!! 16 year old working

missbiggles1

What about having to remain in education or training until the age of 18? I can just about see that the army might satisfy this requirement but labouring for a relative hardly fits the bill.

missbiggles1

blondebubbles wrote: »

This isn't a requirement in all areas of the UK

Thank you I didn't know it was a regional thing.:)

However, I think that that the OP lives in England so my question does apply.

missbiggles1

blondebubbles wrote: »

I believe joining the army counts as further education but I could be wrong.

I'm sure it does but, as I said earlier, it's the time between now and going into the army next March which I thought could be a problem.

kevandkeira

missbiggles1 wrote: »

What about having to remain in education or training until the age of 18? I can just about see that the army might satisfy this requirement but labouring for a relative hardly fits the bill.

I'm not sure to be honest! He is set on joining the army, which at 16 (17 in jan) will mean attending harrogate army college.
I cant imagine he will get onto a college course now, especially if his plan would be to leave the course in march.

Does anyone know who I can contact regarding this? I have looked on the gov.uk website but cant find a contact number for this specific info.

kevandkeira

It seems as though it will be easier to let him sit on his bum until march!! I have been passed around numerous departments at gov.uk & then our local council & nobody can help??

Housing_Benefit_Officer

kevandkeira wrote: »

It seems as though it will be easier to let him sit on his bum until march!! I have been passed around numerous via departments gov.uk & then our local council & nobody can help??

? If he works your benefit won't be reduced as he is under 18.

kevandkeira

I have found this information on the gov.uk website, so going by that he should be fine to work?

What happens if my child doesn’t participate?
The law has changed, but there will be no action taken against any young people
who don’t participate. We want to encourage your child to participate because of the
benefits it will bring – this is the reason why the vast majority of 16 and 17 year-olds
already choose to continue in education or training. By changing the law, we have
made sure that all young people have the opportunity to access the learning option
that’s right for them and improve their long-term prospects.
Your local authority is responsible for identifying and supporting 16-17 year olds who
are not participating and will be working to ensure that young people are enrolled on
a suitable education or training place.

kevandkeira

Housing_Benefit_Officer wrote: »

? If he works your benefit won't be reduced as he is under 18.

Sorry if i've confused you but this is no longer a benefit issue, what missbiggles1 has pointed out is the law change, in which under 18's must choose 1 of 3 options:

1. full-time education, such as school or college
2. work-based learning, such as an apprenticeship
3. part-time education or training if they're employed, self employed or volunteering for 20 hours or more a week.

So if he gets a job he/we could potentially be breaking the law!! I have been advised that as he will be going to college he should be able to work, but no-one seems to know for definite.

missbiggles1

kevandkeira wrote: »

I have found this information on the gov.uk website, so going by that he should be fine to work?

What happens if my child doesn’t participate?
The law has changed, but there will be no action taken against any young people
who don’t participate. We want to encourage your child to participate because of the
benefits it will bring – this is the reason why the vast majority of 16 and 17 year-olds
already choose to continue in education or training. By changing the law, we have
made sure that all young people have the opportunity to access the learning option
that’s right for them and improve their long-term prospects.
Your local authority is responsible for identifying and supporting 16-17 year olds who
are not participating and will be working to ensure that young people are enrolled on
a suitable education or training place.

Not much of a law is it?:(

If you're in Hampshire (which from past posts you might) this might be a good place for you to start.

http://www3.hants.gov.uk/youthtube

This would seem to be the crucial point

"The Government has decided not to fine young people for not participating. This is because they want to give people time to adapt to the new changes. However, this may change in the future when it is reviewed on an annual basis from 2014."

pmlindyloo

Your best bet is for your son to register with Connexions

https://www.gov.uk/child-tax-credit-when-child-reaches-16

You can then claim CB and child tax credits for him for 20 weeks.

He can still work but will have to work under 24 hrs a week.