Does Uni Placement Year affect parents benefits

neeneenoo

Hi I'm asking for advice for my sister and Niece.


My sister is has learning dificulties and claims disability. She is independednt has has her own home paid for by the council.


Her Daughter has done really well and gone to University. Part of her University course was to take a years placement in a working account office. So she is being paid for this years placement. As her placement is local, she has moved back home for this year.



Now the council have been in touch with my sister stating that because my niece has been on the placement - she is "earning a living" and are requesting she pays the rent on her mums home. and possibly back pay for the past year.


Her university advise that her placement year is exempt from making any differnce to my sisters benefits. But getting the council to accept this, is another matter.



Please help - My mum is beside herself that my sister is looking at a £5000 bill!


Has anyone had anything similar?

agrinnall

I think you might be better to ask on the Benefits board. It may also be worth making an appointment to speak to someone at Citizens Advice.

neeneenoo

thank you , I will do that