Surrey Welfare Rights Unit

Once your child has left education they will stop being part of your benefit household.  This means that any elements of welfare benefits you are still getting to help with the costs of your child, will end.  The exact date this happens will depend on a number of factors including their age, date of birth and when they leave education.  This date may be different for Child Benefit, Child Tax Credit, and any child element for this child in Universal Credit or Housing Benefit.  Follow the individual links for more information.

Once they are no longer part of your benefit household they will become an ‘adult non-dependant’ when they reach 18 for as long as they continue living with you.  This may have implications for help with rent or council tax through benefits. It is your responsibility to make sure you tell everyone who is paying you a benefit of the change in your circumstances as soon as possible. If you are claiming Child Benefit or Tax Credits, changes need to be notified to HMRC.  Your child ending non-advanced education is a relevant change of circumstances that must be notified.

Your child’s  Personal Independence Payment Seek advice if you think your child's PIP award is incorrect, or if you just want to check it is being paid at the right level  (PIP) award will continue.  If your child is still on DLA you may be in the process of a transition to PIP and considering whether it is appropriate for you to become their appointee.  If you are receiving Carer’s Allowance or a Carer Premium/Element paid with a means-tested benefit then this can also continue as long as you continue to care for them and your child still receives the daily living component of PIP.   There is further information for Carers in our Carer’s booklet.

Claiming Universal Credit (UC)

Many young disabled adults will be entitled to claim Universal Credit in addition to their PIP.  Whether they can claim and what they will need to do when claiming will depend on their circumstances.  Universal Credit is a means-tested benefit, which means you can only get it if you are on a low, or no, income and your capital is below £16,000. The lower age limit for Universal Credit is usually 18, but there are special rules that can apply if your child is 16/17.

Please read the following information on claiming Universal Credit and from there follow the link relevant to your child’s circumstances.