Child tax credits - sons turned 18

Derbymduck

Hi, does anybody know if you have to inform tax credits when your child turns 18 or not? I can't seem to find anything on the government website. Thanks in advance. 

poppy123456

Hi,

They will already know his age so you don't need to inform them. Providing he remains in full time non advanced education your tax credits will continue until he reaches his 20th birthday. You just need to inform them each summer, if he's remaining in education.

Derbymduck

Thanks for replying. He's finished college now and in employment.

poppy123456

Derbymduck said:

Thanks for replying. He's finished college now and in employment.

No problem. Have you reported those changes? You won't be entitled to any benefits for him now because he's a non dependent. If you're claiming housing benefit then you also need to report those changes to your local council. A non dependent deduction will apply unless you're claiming a qualifying benefit that excludes you from this.

Derbymduck

No I haven't reported any changes yet, hope I'm not going to be in trouble with anyone and end up owing money. My husband gets income based ESA for both of us and we get child tax credits that's our only income. Do you have any idea of how our housing benefit will be affected with our son working? thanks

poppy123456

All changes must be reported, it says this on all letters. You will have an overpayment of child tax credits and child benefit.

How long has he been working for?

Non dependent deductions for housing benefit will depend on how much he earns per week. As you haven't reported the changes to your local council, you will also have an overpayment for that.

Information in the link for the non dependent deductions. https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/benefits/housing_benefit_deductions_when_living_with_non-dependants

poppy123456

In another thread it states that you claim PIP, although there could possibly be an error. Do either yourself or your partner claim daily living PIP?

Derbymduck

I've just had my mandatory reconsideration letter through that states I've been awarded 11 points for daily living which is the lower level and 12 mobility which is the enhanced. I've been querying the decision because the letter starts off by saying that I haven't been awarded PIP, a bit of a contradiction hence the possible error

poppy123456

If you're awarded the daily living part of PIP then non dependent deductions for housing benefit will not apply to you. Please see link above.

You will of course need to contact HMRC first thing tomorrow to report that your son is no longer in education. Your tax credits and child benefit will then stop and you'll have an over payment from the time he started working. Once you know how much the overpayment is you can then speak to HMRC again to arrange to pay it back by installments.