is this right or will i have to pay it back?

[zippydeedoo]

I didn't know where best to write this, so i have put it on here.

My son is due to go to Army foundation college in September. This is a boarding college so wont be at home during term time.

The question i have is - I told UC that he was boarding away, and was expecting my payments to stop, but they haven't. They have said based on the updates i have given that I am still entitled to the payments. I have been honest with them and told them where and when he is going, and that he will be staying away at term time

I have also been advised that, as i claim UC, and child benefit still, that sons dad still has to pay child maintenance.

Im concerned that this may be a mistake and i will have to pay it back, has anyone else been through this?

If you have spoken with UC and given them all the correct information then I'd go with what they say.

I'm guessing he's classed as still in full-time education.

I queried it and they said its right. I suppose they would know if its classed as full time education more than I would

Im assuming it must be. I goggled to check, but its unclear. They would know more than I would, so i suppose I should go with it.

Is he getting a wage of any sort. Are you paying for his accommodation.

yes, he will get a wage of sorts. No accommodation costs

Well I'm guessing you are still responsible for clothing him and will need to keep a room for him for holidays and feed him when he's home so it's probably right. If the holidays are the same as school holidays, or college holidays which are even longer, he will be home for a good chunk of the year.

The question is, where is his home? Does he return home at half term, if the course ended unexpectedly, would he return home, where is he registered for GP/Dentist. If it's a boarding college, then it's not a permanent move. His home remains with you.

My sons both joined the army at 16. Accommodation and food provided and they get paid while in training. As far as I can remember my child benefit ceased in the September after they left school

They do get leave but they dont have a six week summer holiday like school/college

He might be classed as a student. So from what you describe it might be right. But tell them to double check. Or you could ask at the college if this is the norm.