Child benefit review?

[Mum2threejs]

Hi, just looking for a little peace of mind on this, for context i suffer with anxiety and am a massive over thinker,
got a letter this morning from dwp regarding child benefit, stating they are checking my child benefit payments. They’re asking for a letter from the school stating my son was in attendance in march. I rang the school they’re going to send a letter out to me to send. Should be sort it. But is there a reason as to why now? I’ve been a single parent since my youngest (only one on the claim) was born and I earn less than the income cut off. I’ve 2 older boys who are no longer in education so I don’t claim/receive for them. I did however hear from there dad for the first time in 11 years last month.
I know I’m probably just overthinking it. I never do believe “random reviews” 😐

You don't think he's put in a counter claim or something?

I honestly don’t know, I wouldn’t put it past him.
Im really stuck on the whole the dwp doesn’t really do random reviews so there must be a reason, right?

Is the child over 16? I do think dementedpixie is on the right track though. Hope all goes smoothly once you send the letter.

He’s 15.
if it is something to do with his dad I’m going to be furious.

Have you changed to universal credit in the last couple of years? I'm sure there were a lot of people where when staring a claim or being changed over to UC during covid just got automatically accepted so they are now just doing checks to make sure all correct. Of course as your DS is 15 all will be correct and nothing to worry about 😊

Hi, thank you. No I’m not on uc but I am currently on tax credits so will be “migrating” shortly. Though I don’t plan on claiming uc as the little I would be entitled to wouldn’t be worth the stress to me.

Child Benefit is hmrc not dwp, or are you meaning tax credits/uc?

No it’s hmrc sorry, definitely child benefit.
my mistake during a panicy moment

If he’s only 15 it wouldn’t be to do with him attending school though would it? Why would they want a letter for a 15 year old proving they were in education during March? You could home school him and still receive the payment at his current age

As far as I’m aware, they receive child benefit until the 31st of august following their 16th birthday, they can of course continue to receive it after this providing they are in further education.

(If I’m wrong I do apologise, but that’s my understanding)

Would hmrc be wanting to check with the school to see if he was still living in the country possibly. Or still alive (sorry!) that’s the only things I could think of why they are asking for confirmation a 15 year old was in school during a period of time.

Hiya did anything come of this as I’ve just had the same thing
thank you