Changing from part time self employed on working family and child tax credits as child turning 18 and going on gap year abroad

[Sarahbmum]

I am part time self employed and receive working family and child tax credits. I work approx 18 hrs per week. My daughter will finish her A levels this summer and is then going to New Zealand to work on a gap year before university. At what point do benefits stop and must I then up my hours to 32 or so

I will be looking for a lodger from late October onwards until following summer.
Double bed room in quiet clean house with pets in Brislington

Tax credits will stop end of August. Just up your hours to whatever you need to live on, you won’t get any tax credits so it won’t make a difference.

Most lodgers would want 12 month contract or least 6 months! Though you can give them 2/4 weeks notice

It was the 31st August, though if she leaves the country sooner then you need to tell them. I would increase your hours now, there's no need to be at home with an independent 18 year old

If you can up your hours to 30 per week then if you are on a low income you may still be able to claim working tax credits.

Or you the OP could up their hours to more than 30 hours (more than one job perhaps?) then they wouldn't have to claim tax credits?

(Crazy idea, I know)

Just curious, how is your 18 year old financing flights & stay in NZ ? A working visa ?

Its very interesting to read the replies to my post. I am grateful to everyone who has taken the time and thanks for the information. Some people however do seem to have an element of judgement on my circumstances assuming from the very tiny bit of info given about myself that I am sitting at home only working a few hours a week with one child who has nearly left home and doing little else, Assuming i wouldn't give someone a decent contract if they were a lodger etc etc. I found it quite disheartening.

I thought your yearly income would decide your entitlement to tax credits, sorry if I am wrong but you may need to pay back the credits from April- August if you are earning more later in the financial year.

ah yes of course but actually I inform tax credits as soon as my situation changes so they amend as they go along so you don,t end up with a big bill to pay back. You have been really helpful thanks