Can someone else claim for my child?

forestblue12

Without my permission?

My 17yr old son has decided to move in with another family against my wishes.
He is in full time college. My DH and I stopped claiming Child Benefit a while ago when the new rules came in as our salary was over the limit. So there's currently no one claiming any benefit for him.

This family is a bad influence, so I don't want to make it easy for him to stay there.
They are a family of five that already claim tax credits etc, so would it be easy for them to just add my son onto their claim? Do I need to give permission/sign something?

Thanks for any help.

Mojisola

forestblue12 wrote: »

Without my permission?

My 17yr old son has decided to move in with another family against my wishes.
He is in full time college. My DH and I stopped claiming Child Benefit a while ago when the new rules came in as our salary was over the limit. So there's currently no one claiming any benefit for him.

This family is a bad influence, so I don't want to make it easy for him to stay there.
They are a family of five that already claim tax credits etc, so would it be easy for them to just add my son onto their claim? Do I need to give permission/sign something?

No, they can just claim. They can also put in a claim for child maintenance from you.

Darksparkle

No they don't need your permission. The person the child normally lives with can claim tax credits so if that's them then they aren't doing anything wrong assuming the child is still in education.

forestblue12

Thanks for replies. Would they need proof of address though. Everything in my sons name is in my address. He just stayed there the weekend, had lots of fun by the sounds of it and won't come back. He said they will claim for him.

Darksparkle

forestblue12 wrote: »

Thanks for replies. Would they need proof of address though. Everything in my sons name is in my address. He just stayed there the weekend, had lots of fun by the sounds of it and won't come back. He said they will claim for him.

Not when they initially claim as tax credits are usually "pay now, check later".

It will most likely raise a verification failure that the child is not matched on Child Benefit (child benefit see birth certificates so they use their data first). As you aren't claiming it probably won't be able to match the child.

If they have concerns they will write out asking the person trying to claim for details eg
Documentation, birth certificate etc
Where they normally live
Where they keep their things
Who is responsible for day to day spending
Main contact for education
Who is responsible for doctor/dentist etc
Who has legal custody etc

It will depend on their reply and evidence provided as to whether they can continue to claim as there can be legitimate reasons for someone other than parents to try to claim eg parents deceased, custody has been given to someone else etc.

pmlindyloo

It is more than likely that claims for CB and CTC will raise queries.

At some point it is likely that a birth certificate will be needed.

I have no idea of the circumstances but do you think this is a long term situation?

Rather than worry about their claiming CB and CTC I would be more concerned that your son is wanting to stay with them. Yes, I can understand that the new living arrangements may be more 'fun' - perhaps not so many 'rules', so is there any possibility that after a short time you can sit down with your son and find a 'middle road' to his staying at home?

If it were me I would be saying that I had lost the birth certificate (or something similar) and making it difficult for them to claim benefits. In short - forestalling in the hope that you can get your son bakc living with you.

If you really do feel that your son is in some kind of danger (drugs/drink) through living with these 'friends' then you need to involve social services. You still have parental responsibility for him.

Mojisola

pmlindyloo wrote: »

If it were me I would be saying that I had lost the birth certificate

If you really do feel that your son is in some kind of danger (drugs/drink) through living with these 'friends' then you need to involve social services. You still have parental responsibility for him.

The birth certificate isn't a problem - it's only £9.50 to buy one.

His safety is more of an issue.

pmlindyloo

Mojisola wrote: »

The birth certificate isn't a problem - it's only £9.50 to buy one.

His safety is more of an issue.

I did realise that about the birth certificate Just meant don't make it easy for them.

Without further information it is difficult to say whether his safety is at risk or not.

Hopefully it is a temporary situation and the OP can work things out with her son. Horrible situation for them all.

forestblue12

Thank you. No drugs (I hope) but he is drinking and generally lazing about, stays up late and then he is too tired to get up. And this family thinks it's ok for him to do as he pleases and I should stay out of it as 'he's old enough'. (I couldn't not say anything when his tutor phones me to say he's not come to class again). He thinks it's great, so now doesn't want to come home. I wondered what would be in it for them to offer him a place to live when he already has a loving home. Looks like they did their homework!

The advice I've been given by friends/family is to just let him go and he will come back. I just feel so helpless. I have to just watch my son throw his education away. We have always had a good relationship, hoping it's just a 'phase'.

pmlindyloo

How long has he been gone?

Has he taken all his clothes/other possessions?

I know you say you have a good relationship with him but something can't be right!

Are you still speaking to him? Can you arrange a get together and talk through everything?

If he is adamant and doesn't care about the effects on his education then I agree with your friends/family - hope that he sees sense and returns.

What does his father say?

xylophone

Does your son have a good relationship with a grandparent/other relative/family friend?

If so, perhaps a chat about the situation with regard to coming home might work?

Discussing the matter with the tutor/pastoral care contact at the college might help.

Otherwise, is college the right place for him just now? Has an apprenticeship been considered?

Has he ever expressed an interest in the armed forces? Discipline and fun?

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/hm-forces-apprenticeships