Benefit problem when son starts university

[Deleted User]

I am not sure that it matters whether the son receives UC or HLA. The OP just needs to prove to the LA that his son is a student, its not a 'benefit' it just means the son will not be regarded as an independent adult, he is a student.

In my case, his university kept on his records/database that my son could access a letter stating he was a student at x university, on Y course. I printed this out and took it to the council. He was no longer regarded as an independent adult. I actually received all the deductions back, first time ever I have received money from Housing Benefit lolol.

poppy12345

calcotti wrote: »

Unfortunately as UC continues to roll out, as far as I can see, this rules does not appear to have been carried over into UC and I believe non-dependent deductions will be made for student. Would be glad if someone could prove me wrong.

I can only find something that states there will be no contribution expected of non-dependants who are under 21 or are 21 or over and
receiving certain benefits.
See link. https://www.entitledto.co.uk/help/Housing-overview-Universal-Credit

I couldn't find anything that specifically states students, like housing benefit does.

Craig1981

Under UC there is no non dep deduction if you are under 21
over 21, then it becomes a little trickier, however, there should only be a flat rate of £72.16 a month

currently, if on HB, there will be no non dep for full time student unless they are working more than 16 hours a week during the summer, then this will be deducted at whatever rate it is based on their income for that period

Craig1981

OP - unfortunately your son has now left your "Household" , so around £80pw is unfortunately the correct drop in benefits. you wont be able to top these up somewhere else
if you start to struggle, contact your council and see for DHP (discretionary Housing payment) for a small initial period while you try to budget the drop in your income.

calcotti

Craig1981 wrote: »

. . however, there should only be a flat rate of £72.16 a month

Yes.Where non-dependent deductions apply UC is much more generous than legacy benefits in most cases. This monthly flat is less than the even the weekly deduction that apply in some cases previously. The flat rate also means you do not have to provide details of non dependant’s income in order to agree the level of deduction that applies. In households where there are two or three adult children still at home help with rent may be available under UC whereas it was not under Housing Benefit.

silvercar

Remember also that students are exempt from council tax,so if you are the only adult in the home you should be getting the single person council tax deduction.

PersianCatLady

Craig1981 wrote: »

OP - unfortunately your son has now left your "Household" , so around £80pw is unfortunately the correct drop in benefits. you wont be able to top these up somewhere else
if you start to struggle, contact your council and see for DHP (discretionary Housing payment) for a small initial period while you try to budget the drop in your income.

Wrong.

His son has not left home, it is still his main residence but he has gone away to university and therefore his parents home is still his main residence.

I went through this last year with the council for an advice client and it was shocking how many people at the council did not understand the rules of students and HB / LHA

Craig1981

PersianCatLady wrote: »

Wrong.

His son has not left home, it is still his main residence but he has gone away to university and therefore his parents home is still his main residence.

I went through this last year with the council for an advice client and it was shocking how many people at the council did not understand the rules of students and HB / LHA

no, this is right when it comes to benefits. Does the op still receive child benefit and tax credits for him? nope. he is now a non-dependant, and not classed under the household for the OP. yes that is his residence, im not questioning that.

this is the reason for the £80 loss of benefits, is because he has come off the "household", and is now a non-dep

i believe you are on about bedroom tax and whether or not there is deduction for under occupation, as he has gone away to uni.

as OP said, he is residing at home while at university, so although he is a non-dependant, there is no deduction for him as still full time student, and as he is occupying his room, there is no under occupation charge for that room either

trailingspouse

Time for a discussion with the son about what he's now expected to fund for himself. Presumably up until now the OP has been funding outgoings such as food, clothes, mobile phone costs, transport, possibly also entertainment. Now's the time to make it clear (in the nicest possible way) that those are now his responsibility. And yes, he needs to be paying his fair share of the heating/lighting/rent/laundry/TV etc etc. It's all part of growing up.

annandale

Time for a discussion with the son about what he's now expected to fund for himself. Presumably up until now the OP has been funding outgoings such as food, clothes, mobile phone costs, transport, possibly also entertainment. Now's the time to make it clear (in the nicest possible way) that those are now his responsibility. And yes, he needs to be paying his fair share of the heating/lighting/rent/laundry/TV etc etc. It's all part of growing up.

Harder to do when you are living on a student loan and not wages.

If the op is on a zero hours contact that has slowed down then UC is the benefit he should apply for, if he is in a UC area