HELP - What happens to CS if your child starts an apprenticeship?

Debster3004

Hi all.


My daughter has decided she wants to start an apprenticeship for her Level 3 course. She is currently a full time student just about to complete here Level 2. My question is does Child Benefit and Child Maintenance stop once she starts the apprenticeship, as although she may be working 4 days, college 1 day she will earn a pittance and wouldn't be able to support herself fully.

The main issue is my ex is a total (insert swear word), who has been so tenacious in not handing over his £££ that I am not sure that I can fully support my daughter in her apprenticeship.


I have Googled until I've gone cross-eyed and still cannot get a definite answer.


Any advice gratefully accepted.

[purplesignup][/purplesignup]

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NBLondon

https://www.gov.uk/child-benefit-16-19 says after they are 16 unless in approved education. Approved education includes

NVQs and other vocational qualifications up to level 3

and an intermediate (Level 2) or advanced (Level 3) apprenticeship should be included in that. So you should get the Benefit until the end of the apprenticeship if she is still under 20.

But the Child Benefit Office should advise you better.

Debster3004

Thank you, yes she will only be 19 when she finishes the Level 3.


Looks like a call to Child Benefit Agency is on the cards.

Debster3004

Sadly Child Benefit would stop if she took an apprenticeship which also means my ex would stop Child Support due to his attitude.


No one ever said being a single parent would be easy

TBagpuss

I thinmk it would stop as CS is only paid where they are in full time education, in an apprenticeship they are working part time. Do call the CMS to check but I am fiarly suire that it will stop.

Savvy_Sue

Probably clutching at straws here, but what does his agreement to pay say in terms of when it stops?

McKneff

Is she being paid for this apprenticesip so She can contribute to household expenses or may find a job to go alongside, pub work or similar

Roobarb78

My daughter quit a level 2 nvq college course to start an apprenticeship. After contacting citizens advice regarding maintenance payments, they said that apprenticeships are paid work with less than 12 hours training at a college.
Apparently more than 12 hours is classed as a full time student.
This means that they are not entitled to have child benefit anymore and thus maintenance is not needed to be paid (unless you have a court order that states until 20, no matter what)

piggielady

She will be paid a wage which for a child still living at home will be enough to cover some towards board, some towards her savings and some for her to spend. Google apprentice wages and you’ll see how much she’ll earn - she’ll get wages for the day she goes to college. I think apprenticeships are a good thing - wish her every success from me!!