Teenager Financial support during Covid 19

[Tinkerbell123]

My child is 18 in August and due to start university in September. Due to covid 19 we’ve decided to defer for a year as she has asthma. The chances of employment for her are slim in the near future. I am a single parent on a nursing degree living on student finance and child tax credits for my youngest child.
My question is, if my eldest cannot get a job and decides to claim universal credit for a short while will this affect my claim on tax credits? As I do not want to have to switch over to universal credit due to the horror stories I have heard.

I know her child element will stop in my claim and that’s fine. I am hoping she could claim independently and I don’t have to switch also.

Such a sad situation starting adult life in this this situation for her! But I see the horror and fully appreciate the necessity of lockdown. Thank you in advance guys!

[Lorraine123]

Hi I work and also claim universal credit. I have a 20 year old son who has a disability and also claims universal credit. His claim is separate to mine. When your child turns 18 and leaves education they will no longer be a dependent child. You stop claiming for them on your tax credits and they would put a claim in of their own for universal credit. Your council tax may increase as you have another adult in the home.

[Gingerbread Alex]

Hi Tinkerbell123,

I’m one of the forum moderators at Gingerbread. Just to add that you won’t need to switch to Universal Credit yourself if your eldest child claims Universal Credit when she turns 18. You’ll be able to continue to receive Tax Credits for your youngest child.

Best wishes,

Alex

 

 

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