Child potentially moving back home (student)

CCC1506

My 20 year old son MAY be moving back home to me for his 3rd year of uni (full time law student). He does not work as is studying hard and receives a maintenance loan. It has not been confirmed as yet as I am needing to ensure I can afford this change in circumstances. I work full time (37 hours a week) and am in receipt of working and child tax credits, housing benefit and council tax reduction due to being on a low income. I am single and have one other dependant child (12 years old) and we live in a 3 bed privately rented house. Can anyone tell me: how will my son moving home affect my housing benefit and council tax reduction? It seems very confusing and I have been unable to find relevant information due to it not being a definitive yes to his return. Thank you in advance for your advice. 

huckster

I think if they are a student and under 21, there should be no impact from this. BUT I would suggest that you contact the Council about the Housing Benefit and CT reductions to gain their confirmation.

poppy12345

There's no deduction for full time students during term time, or holidays if they're not working. A deduction will be made during summer holidays if they work more than 16 hours a week. https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/benefits/housing_benefit_deductions_when_living_with_non-dependants

As you are privately renting then at the moment you should be claiming the 2 bedroom rate of LHA, if your son moves back in the you should be entitled to the 3 bedroom rate of LHA.

He will need proof of being a student from his Uni for council tax, this way you'll continue to receive the 25% single person discount.

Your tax credits will not be affected.

calcotti

For Housing Benefit if your son is currently treated as not living with you you are entitled to the two bedroom Local Housing Allowance as your maximum amount. If he returns to live with you your maximum amount will increase to the three bedroom rate. However if he is a full time student there will be no non-dependant deduction. If there is currently a shortfall between your HB and the actual rent this shortfall may therefore be reduced.

A full time student is ignored for Council Tax so you will retain entitlement to your 25% single person discount. I think there will also be no impact on Council Tax Reduction because students are not required to pay Council Tax.