School leaver going on to further education and working

[ICEQUEEN20]

My 16 year old leaves school in May and is going on to further education - A levels - until she is 18. I have been told that parents can still claim for child allowance whilst the child is at further education, but she wants to get a weekend job too - it will only be minimum wage I know, but will we have to forfeit the child allowance, if so, it seems pointless her getting a weekend job?

[murraymints]

no I don't think her earnings affect Child allowance as long as she is in full time education still

[murraymints]

mousy..uncalled for....wee girl just wants to earn some pocket money!!! Education allowance, although now discontinued, alowed £30 a week paid to the child that stayed on at school beyond 16..

[ICEQUEEN20]

Me and her Dad have both worked full time since we were 17, have NEVER had any benefits - and dont want to - other than child allowance (as is every parent). Just a query as it would seem pointless if they stopped that we may as well just give her the child allowance, but as supportive parents, we want her to realise that she has to go to work to earn money - or are we wrong for that mcmouse??

[erin-x]

I'm sure that my mum got it until I was 18 and I had a weekend job since I was 17.

[McMouse]

Surely a weekend job provides work experience which has a value that should not be equated to a cash value.

[ICEQUEEN20]

She already has lots of work experience in the school holidays "working" for my Sisters Company in London Mcmouse. Errr hello she is 16 - cash means everything to teenagers !!

[fredkins]

Hi lCEQUEEN20, my son has had a part time job since he was sixteen.He still got child allowance intil he turned 18 last year.

[McMouse]

//it seems pointless her getting a weekend job?//
Your threat seems to put "Child Allowance" in a balancing equation with "Weekend Job".

[ICEQUEEN20]

Its just common sense.

[ummmm]

McMouse...give it a rest. child benefit replaced tax breaks...and that's why everyone is entitled to it!!

You can continue to claim until she leaves full time education. I've just had my letter through regarding my son to say it will be stopped Sep 2012 unless he continues education. I now have to inform them what his intentions are with info on what course/school he'll be attending.

[ICEQUEEN20]

Thank you. Some intelligent replies at last!

[maggiebee]

Agree with previous posts. My son and daughter both had weekend jobs while in full time education and child benefit was paid til they were 18.

[ojread2]

If you mean child benefit, you can claim that until they turn 20 if they are in education http://www.hmrc.gov.u...-aged-16/child-16.htm

[ojread2]

I assume Mcmouse, you've tried to get a Saturday job yourself?
Exceedingly difficult at any time, but in today's climate, virtually impossible

[ojread2]

agree RH, i looked at the wording as I posted - I'm terrible for doing that
Apologies icequeen - the link explains it all for you

[ICEQUEEN20]

Red Helen we just earn too much to be able to get Tax Credits, thanks anyway