Hi, I'm joannacrittenden! What do I do for money when child element stops?

joannacrittenden
joannacrittenden Community Member Posts: 1 Listener
edited September 3 in Benefits and income

I have a disabled 19 year old. I claim universal credit. She receives high pip level. & mobility. I receive carers allowance for looking after her. Now she has turned 19 the child element of UC stops. She is not ready to claim in her own right and doesn’t finish college until July next year . What do I do for money? Is there any help or advice.
thank you .

Comments

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Community Member Posts: 9,095 Championing
    edited September 3

    Many families struggle financially with the transition from dependant children to non dependant adults within the welfare system.

    Disability & study is a complex area to give advice on so I'd recommend contacting Disability Rights UK, they are experts who have a Disabled Students Helpline and can advise on this situation.

    https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/disabled-students-helpline

    Some of or an increased amount her PIP income could be used towards household expenses. All adults have living costs it's not unreasonable to pay out of income benefits or not. When I lived at home I only got ESA but paid towards bills such as gas, electricity, food etc.

    It might also be time to look through your household budget to see where changes can be made to suit your new circumstances.

    Money Saving Expert is a great website I'd recommend, with lots of ways to save money and an extensive forum.

  • flour
    flour Community Member Posts: 155 Empowering

    @joannacrittenden

    You should call Citizens Advice Help to Claim to see your daughter can start her own benefit claims. You should also call to see if there is anything else you can claim for yourself beyond Carers Allowance.

  • Mary_Scope
    Mary_Scope Posts: 5,897 Scope Online Community Children and Family Specialists

    Hi @joannacrittenden and a warm welcome to the community from me!

    It may also be worth doing the Turn2us Benefits Calculator to check if there is anything else you or your daughter may be eligible for 😊

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