Homeschooling and Universal Credit

Khw21

Hi,

I have an unusual situation and wondered whether anyone could help with advice. My d in Y13 is currently taking a levels. She missed 7 months of school in Y12/13 due to illness but wants to try to take exams this year, knowing that retakes next year are an option if she doesn’t get the grades for the university course she wants to do. She was also diagnosed with autism in the past year and we are waiting for the results of an assessment for adhd. I’m a working single parent and receive Universal Credit and PIP for my daughter.

If she does retakes next year the two options are redoing Y13 or just retaking the exams at the end of the year, in which case she would have a tutor and be homeschooled, possible working or doing work experience alongside, depending on how many subject she retakes. Would anyone know whether she would still be considered in full time education and whether I would continue to get the element for her for Universal Credit, child benefit and single adult council tax discount? Her birthday is in June so only turning 18 next month. 

TIA

peteuk

As long as she remains in F/T education and not at an advanced level then I believe you will receive the child element of UC. (See below taken from Gov webpage)

When we refer to a ‘child’ in this guidance we mean a person:

• under 16 years old
• 16 to 19 years old (up to and including 31 August following their 19th birthday, if they are in eligible education or training

If they choose work experience then it must be course related and with education must be over 12 hrs a week or this is not f/t education.  Difficult to link work experience with a levels as they are generic.  Work experience with a Btec is easier to relate. Web site notes below and then goes onto such levels of education applicble.

Education must be full-time (more than an average of 12 hours a week supervised study or course-related work experience) 

Homeschooling should have started before the age of 16 unless their is a special need (At this point you’ll need a SEND, which you may have for the ASD, and ADHD if proven)

PIP wont be affected.

However she may still get a place at Uni through clearance if she doesn't get the grades.

Khw21

Thank you, this is really helpful. I think the homeschooling would be possible only because of her ASD diagnosis, she prefers this as her current school is very poor with SEN kids. The 12 hours is good to know too. Hopefully her grades will be high enough that this won't be necessary but just trying to have all the information in place before results day!