Child benefit & College

Mazza1602

My son was at uni and left after a year. He’s now in college full time doing a year long HNC course. Now my ex is getting child benefit for him and also claiming me for child maintenance. When I speak to anyone they say he shouldn’t be getting child benefit but so far he’s still managing to claim. He told me that because the course is only a year long he can claim?! I’m confused. My son gets a student loan and works. He started this course when he was 18 (he’s just turned 19). HMRC said he shouldn’t be getting any benefits so you understand my confusion. Can anyone shed any light on this?! I stay in Scotland. 

Thanks M x

poppy12345

You are correct and there shouldn't be any benefits being claimed by your ex because they stop when a young person either leaves full time non advanced education or they reach their 20th birthday.

They are certainly not paid when they are in Uni because this would be further education and they're also receiving student finance.

Mazza1602

Thanks for your answer. 

It’s costing me a fortune as I already pay my sons car finance, phone bill and give him money when he asks me. I appreciate his Dad has the day to day cost of my son but I do the best I can when I earn £20k a year less than him!! I have notified HMRC that he’s doing an HNC so we shall see what the outcome is. 

Thanks again. 

M x

HillStreetBlues

poppy12345 said:

They are certainly not paid when they are in Uni because this would be further education and they're also receiving student finance.

Wouldn't uni be classed as higher education?  as CB can continue with some further education.

[Deleted User]

All benefits should have stopped at the end of August, before your son started Uni in September.
So if I'm reading correctly, over a year ago?

RobM99

https://www.gov.uk/child-benefit 

This might help! 

Mazza1602

[Deleted User] said:

All benefits should have stopped at the end of August, before your son started Uni in September.
So if I'm reading correctly, over a year ago?

He was at uni and left in August and started college in sept where he is doing an HNC in electrical engineering. It’s a year long course. 

M x

Mazza1602

@RobM99  going by this my son is doing a Level 4 qualification so he shouldn’t be getting CB. I have sent evidence of this to CMS but until CB do something my hands are tied and I need to pay him the money. 

M x

[Deleted User]

Mazza1602 said:

[Deleted User] said:

All benefits should have stopped at the end of August, before your son started Uni in September.
So if I'm reading correctly, over a year ago?

He was at uni and left in August and started college in sept where he is doing an HNC in electrical engineering. It’s a year long course. 

M x

Yes, all benefits should have stopped before Uni. A year on, he absolutely isn't entitled to anything other than student loans.