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17 year old not going back to school. Loss of tax credit help!

266 replies

avroroad · 06/05/2020 14:37

Please go gentle on me, up until 3 years ago DH and I both worked full time. Him for over 30 years, me for just under. Now we have found ourselves sin a bit of a shitty position.

The upshot is that DS, 17, may not be returning to school but won't be going to Uni until 2021. So this means a loss of CB and my tax credits will drop - I will just have one child on my claim. I get carers allowance (for DH) and up until Covid-19 I was self employed. That income has gone for the foreseeable, mainly due to the industry which isn't going to pick up anytime soon. We are managing but I am really worried about what happens when I lose the money for DS (end of August iirc) There is nothing for him. He isn't ready to get a job, even if there were jobs available, due to being autistic. So does that leave us as we are or is there anything I could do that might make things a bit easier? UC maybe? I have been reluctant to do anything that would trigger a switch to UC because all the calculators told me (haven't looked recently - I'm baffled won't it all now) that tax credits are a better option.

This isn't a simple case of 'get a job' for me. I have a job. I have my business waiting for me when trade picks up again (realistically looking at months though) and I have heavily invested etc. My job suits my circumstances ordinarily. What I do meantime, if anything, I have no idea though.

OP posts:
SuperCraft · 06/05/2020 14:42

If he isn't capable of working then can he apply for PIP?

WhatWouldYouDoWhatWouldJesusDo · 06/05/2020 14:44

If he's Autistic he may be able to claim pip........your partner's disability should bump up any UC claim too.

avroroad · 06/05/2020 14:45

Thanks, no, he wouldn't qualify for PIP.

OP posts:
gamerchick · 06/05/2020 14:47

Why wouldn't he qualify for PIP?

AldiAisleOfCrap · 06/05/2020 14:47

Are you in Scotland op?

Guardsman18 · 06/05/2020 14:47

Can I ask why OP if he can't work, is autistic, then surely he would qualify?

avroroad · 06/05/2020 14:49

Are you in Scotland op?

Yes I am. Sorry I meant to include that in the OP.

OP posts:
AldiAisleOfCrap · 06/05/2020 14:51

Honestly if he can’t work I would tell him he needs to go to school or college or you can’t afford to feed him pay for his clothes etc.
Aside from that if her registers with connections or similar CB and tax credits will continue for another 20 weeks.

Difficultcustomer · 06/05/2020 14:51

You and husband and separate son may qualify for benefits. Maybe try citizens advice. Possibly two separate calls and I suggest your son is there for the call relating to him even if just to give his details.

The help to claim line may help to give information

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/claiming/helptoclaim/

avroroad · 06/05/2020 14:52

Why wouldn't he qualify for PIP?

He doesn't meet the criteria.

Can I ask why OP if he can't work, is autistic, then surely he would qualify?

He doesn't meet the criteria. Not being able to work dire to emotional, social and economic factors isn't a criteria for claiming PIP.

OP posts:
ArthurandtheAnemones · 06/05/2020 14:53

Getting PIP is not dependant on being incapable of work. Some people work and are still entitled to PIP.
Your son needs to make a claim for Universal Credit when you are no longer entitled to tax credits for him. There are different groups which claimants are put in when they apply for UC. It sounds like your son might be put in the group for limited ability to work.

AldiAisleOfCrap · 06/05/2020 14:54

This should hopefully be in place very soon
www.gov.scot/policies/social-security/benefits-disabled-people-ill-health/#DACYP

Like dla but up to age 18 rather than 16.

avroroad · 06/05/2020 14:54

Honestly if he can’t work I would tell him he needs to go to school or college or you can’t afford to feed him pay for his clothes etc.

No that's not an option at all. I was just wondering if I am doing everything I can. I won't be forcing him back to school so I don't lose money.

OP posts:
Positivelypatient · 06/05/2020 14:54

How will he go to Uni next year if he doesnt complete his education (presumably A Levels?)

avroroad · 06/05/2020 14:55

You and husband and separate son may qualify for benefits.

We won't be doing this. Do people really do this?

OP posts:
AldiAisleOfCrap · 06/05/2020 14:56

@Positivelypatient op son is in Scotland.

TinklyLittleLaugh · 06/05/2020 14:56

My sisters autistic boy who is 18 gets PIP. To the casual eye he is not so affected (has GCSEs etc). He might struggle with a full time job, but works a part time “sheltered” job.

avroroad · 06/05/2020 14:57

@ArthurandtheAnemones

Thanks. That's interesting, I didn't even realise you could claim at 17. That said I had a look and he probably wouldn't qualify anyway. He hasn't been or won't be assessed as unfit for work.

OP posts:
AldiAisleOfCrap · 06/05/2020 14:58

I won't be forcing him back to school so I don't lose money.
But if you can’t afford to keep him it may be necessary. Leaving school may be a luxury that yiur ds can not afford. I understand school may be stressful, I have teens with asd. But I do think he could look at college maybe as an option.

PotteringAlong · 06/05/2020 14:58

how is he planning on getting the qualifications to go to uni if he’s leaving school a year early? And if he’s not (because you’re in Scotland) then why can’t he go to uni in September?

avroroad · 06/05/2020 14:58

How will he go to Uni next year if he doesnt complete his education (presumably A Levels?)

Not A levels. We are in Scotland. He will get his Highers this year, that will be enough.

OP posts:
PotteringAlong · 06/05/2020 14:59

So why does he need a gap year? It’s a luxury you cannot afford. Tell him to go to uni in September.

avroroad · 06/05/2020 15:00

My sisters autistic boy who is 18 gets PIP.

Thanks. I'm sure lost of autistic people get PIP. I'm also sure DS won't. He doesn't meet the criteria. Lots of autistic people also don't get PIP.

I appreciate you are trying to help but PIP really isn't an options.

OP posts:
avroroad · 06/05/2020 15:01

Aldi

Thank you, I really hope this gets implemented. The system is horrendous just now.

OP posts:
dancemom · 06/05/2020 15:01

He can claim UC and PIP, don't write off his chances just because he hasn't been found fit for work

Use the entitled to website to see if you would be financially better off on UC for you and your partner