Hi,
Our son is turning 20 on the 16th January, we had been given incorrect information by HMRC that stated that Child Tax Credits would continue until 31st August 2021 as he was disabled and staying in education - he is doing an Individual Learning Skills program at our local college (he's been at college since he left school at 16).
It was something I queried with HMRC 3 times in 2020 as my online account showed that the claim ended 15/01/2021 but I was assured that this was only the "provisional award" information and that it would continue until 31/08/21 on the full award.
Today I again contacted HMRC as my account was still showing the 15/01/21 date, only to be told that this was correct and that all entitlement stops on his 20th birthday.
So we will be over £600 per month worse off (Child Tax Credits & Child Benefit), we currently get Income Related ESA as I myself am also disabled & my wife is our sons main carer (she gets Carers allowance as he gets enhanced PIP - both components).
Now I am unsure what to do to replace the money - its a massive amount and will affect us in a big way, we may even lose our house (private rental as no social housing available) as our rent has gone up & our housing benefit has been capped for years, so we already pay over £300 per month towards it.
I am hoping that others hav e been in similar situations and can advise where to go next, can we claim Universal credit for him even though he is in full time college?
Any advise will be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks
Jamie
