universal credit changes for son turning 19

AboutToPop81

Hi I really need some advice as it is starting to affect my mental health. I have tried CAB left multiple messages on my journal and been ignored by UC.

my son who suffers from sever mental health issues and ASD ( i receive PIP for him) turns 19 in August. I know i loose what payments i get for him from UC however he is wanting to return to collage to do the level 3 of his course. come 31st August I will loose approx. £780 per month from my UC. my issue is if he stays living with me and goes back to collage I will be unable to financial support him ( i am barely surviving now as my rent takes up 3/4 of my benefits i have no options to move s there is nothing suitable in my area for less than this unless I down size if I down size there ill be no bedroom for him… shocking i know). So when he turns 19 what benefits can we get to help financial ? my concern if he has to move out is that he is a high suicide risk so the isolation may be more detrimental to him? but if I can not get anything to help supprt him I am left with £230 after I have paid my rent?

KxMx

Many families find it a financial shock when going from dependant children to non dependant adults within the welfare system.

At 19 he'd need to claim in his own right.

As students and UC are a complex area to give advice on, I'd recommend contacting Disability Rights UK who have a Disabled Students Helpline service.

https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/disabled-students-helpline

huckster

Some in this situation, submit a New Style ESA claim online or phone call for the adult child, so there can be a work capability assessment completed. And if they were found to not be capable for work, as they are in receipt of PIP, they can then meet criteria to claim UC.

They won't be entitled to ESA benefit paymemts, this is just to enable capability for work assessment. As it can take at least 4 months to have assessment, don't delay making ESA claim.

niversal Credit and students - GOV.UK

https://share.google/BKlPxTen2E42gJhTO

https://share.google/BKlPxTen2E42gJhTO

Or they claim UC as non advanced student on basis of being available for work and attend Job Centre appointments,

"You may also be able to get Universal Credit if you’re studying in full-time non-advanced education, you do not get a student loan or maintenance grant and you’re available for work."

Diaz09

Just to check - is your son currently in receipt of DLA or PIP in his own name, or are you claiming it as his appointee? This makes a difference to his options.

If he has PIP in his own name and returns to college, he may be able to claim UC as a student with limited capability for work due to his conditions. The college should also have hardship funds available. Worth speaking to their student support team before he enrols as they can often advise on the best approach for his circumstances.

tifo

If you're paid a child element for him with your UC then this can continue until he turns 20 as long as he's in college education. I get this for my child.

kaMelo

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81976937#Comment_81976937

That's not strictly accurate, the child element is payable up until 31st August following their 19 birthday as long as they're in qualifying education or training.

Little_miss_dfw

when my severe SEN child was removed from my tax credits and still at college I applied for universal credit in his name. They paid his first month after 6 weeks I think. It was the standard amount. He had his meeting at the job centre quite quickly. He didn’t need a work capacity appointment. I guess his work coach saw he had disabilities as his appointment as his decision was quick. After 3 months he got the full amount for wrag (support group) he doesn’t get any housing element as he lives with me.

AboutToPop81

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81975807#Comment_81975807

the PIP is in his name but I receive the payments for him as Im his appointee for PIP but UC said I need a B123 form or something to be assigned appointee by them

Little_miss_dfw

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81977882#Comment_81977882

I am my son’s appointee for PIP. For his UC they contact me. When using the journal they use mine and his names and deal exclusively with me. I have never had to fill in any other forms.

sheramber

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81977882#Comment_81977882

Form B123 is for a Disabled Facilties Grant

sheramber

To become an appointee for someone

https://www.gov.uk/become-appointee-for-someone-claiming-benefits