tax credits/child benefit

[moleseymum]

DS currently applying for full time MT Degree courses. Typical male and all applications are all last minute! There is no way I can afford to fund his training as a single mum so it is a degree or Dada or nothing. He is considering applying for a scholarship for a foundation year as a back up, which would be fab if he got it but I was wondering what other people's experience of the effect of child benefit and tax credits for this type of course was.
Thanks in advance x

[carriecrafts]

Hi moleseymum,
I think CB runs until the child is 19 or enters 'advanced' education. The key is whether the Foundation course is classed as 'advanced' education or 'further' education. I imagine that if the Foundation is viewed as the same standard as A Levels (which it ought to be as it is pre-degree/diploma) then you should still get Child Benefit if your DS is under 19.

Also, DD has a friend on Foundation at one of the vocational schools and he gets Housing Benefit to help towards his rent. Again, this is because the course is viewed as non-advanced education. Those on degree or diploma can't get it.

Good luck with the late applications.

[moleseymum]

Thanks for the reply, I called the child benefit office and can claim until his 20th birthday if he takes a foundation year

[Pearl]

So if they do the 3 year diploma is this classed as Advanced Education? I've just received a form to complete for dd. Not sure if the 3 year diploma is advanced or non advanced!! Anyone know?

[Robsmumma]

The 3 year diploma is a level 6 so yes its advanced/degree level. So therefore CB stops (also tax credits)

[Pearl]

That's so crap!!!! So not only do we have to pay for these courses but they take away any bit of help we have. My dd only 15 seems vey unfair

[suesmith]

My dd at Laine - first year - I still get child benefit x

[Pearl]

Did you have to complete the form Suesmith? It asks if its a full time non advanced further education!

[2dancersmum]

Not sure how you have managed that suesmith but I would keep fingers crossed that it continues. The level 6 diploma definitely counts as higher or advanced education and child benefit stops. The exception is if your DC takes A levels or another form of further education as well - in which case the child benefit continues for the 2 years they are still in further education but stops for the 3rd year.

[Pearl]

Thanks for the replys folks, I guess I should bin the form!!!!!

[carriecrafts]

Yep, it seems so unfair that it is dependent on the level of course rather than their age but that is sadly the case...
Some people seem to still get child benefit but I'm almost certain that this is a misunderstanding on the part of the Child Benefit staff about what the course is because of the name (too many BTEC level 3 diplomas etc). The reason that diploma students cannot get housing benefit to help with their rent is that the courts decided that as a Level 6 course it is Advanced Education rather than Further Education.
x

[suesmith]

I'm sure I must have filled a form in - I remember being unsure if it would continue but had to put the name of where she would be studying - Laine Theatre Arts - they only offer one course - so may be I have been lucky and the person dealing with my form misunderstood I wonder if it has changed as from last year all students have to remain in some kind of FE or apprenticeship??
Sorry not much help as it appears I may have slipped though the net although have been completely upfront about where she is training

[moleseymum]

Just be aware that you may have to pay it back if you are not really entitled to it! This is what is worrying me about the foundation course...

[riverdancefan]

I'm sure I must have filled a form in - I remember being unsure if it would continue but had to put the name of where she would be studying - Laine Theatre Arts - they only offer one course - so may be I have been lucky and the person dealing with my form misunderstood I wonder if it has changed as from last year all students have to remain in some kind of FE or apprenticeship??
Sorry not much help as it appears I may have slipped though the net although have been completely upfront about where she is training

Check it out Sue as believe me they will claw back every penny if a mistake has been made