To: The Rt Hon Thérèse Coffey MP
Allow parents of apprentices to continue claiming Child Benefit and Universal Credits
Allow parents of apprentices to continue claiming Child Benefit and Universal Credit.
Why is this important?
I contacted Universal Credit through my journal in March 2021 to say that my son had started an apprenticeship. Being an Electrician course he has to gain experience and knowledge in the workplace as he cannot do it in the classroom. It is essential for him to gain his qualification.
I was told that he had been verified as a child and in full time education. I tried to clarify the situation as he was being paid. Due to my journal entries not being read for long periods I phoned. This is very stressful for me as I had emergency brain surgery following an accident and am still in recovery.
They said it was a grey area. I was very surprised to hear this and wondered what I should do.
I was told if he was with an approved trainer working towards a qualification I would still receive payments for him. I had a letter from his training provider to back up his situation and details of the college course. DWP refused to accept see it.
After 5 months DWP say he is classed as working. He earns £4.30 an hour and has to buy his own tools as well as travelling to college where he does relevant work towards his level 3 qualification as an Electrician. In my eyes and many others he is not independent. He cannot live on the money he receives. He is dependant on me.
I have been asked to pay back £1128. I see this as a major error of the DWP. I tried to clarify the situation. It is all in my journal.
I have a letter from his trainer and details of the course he is doing. As an electrician, the practical side cannot be done in a classroom. Being onsite with qualified electricians is vital.
This leaves me as a single parent in a very difficult situation. I cannot work due to my injury. I will lose the child element in my Universal Credits, Child Benefit and the Covid payment.
I want my son to continue his apprenticeship. I believe there is a shortage of trades people.
I have worked all my life, paid taxes and NI.
Now I need support in getting my son through his apprenticeship. Please support me in claiming the money I need to do this.
There are many families in the same situation who simply cannot afford to put their child through an apprenticeship as all benefits stop.
I was told that he had been verified as a child and in full time education. I tried to clarify the situation as he was being paid. Due to my journal entries not being read for long periods I phoned. This is very stressful for me as I had emergency brain surgery following an accident and am still in recovery.
They said it was a grey area. I was very surprised to hear this and wondered what I should do.
I was told if he was with an approved trainer working towards a qualification I would still receive payments for him. I had a letter from his training provider to back up his situation and details of the college course. DWP refused to accept see it.
After 5 months DWP say he is classed as working. He earns £4.30 an hour and has to buy his own tools as well as travelling to college where he does relevant work towards his level 3 qualification as an Electrician. In my eyes and many others he is not independent. He cannot live on the money he receives. He is dependant on me.
I have been asked to pay back £1128. I see this as a major error of the DWP. I tried to clarify the situation. It is all in my journal.
I have a letter from his trainer and details of the course he is doing. As an electrician, the practical side cannot be done in a classroom. Being onsite with qualified electricians is vital.
This leaves me as a single parent in a very difficult situation. I cannot work due to my injury. I will lose the child element in my Universal Credits, Child Benefit and the Covid payment.
I want my son to continue his apprenticeship. I believe there is a shortage of trades people.
I have worked all my life, paid taxes and NI.
Now I need support in getting my son through his apprenticeship. Please support me in claiming the money I need to do this.
There are many families in the same situation who simply cannot afford to put their child through an apprenticeship as all benefits stop.
