Extend Benefit Eligibility from 16 Years
Extend Benefit Eligibility from 16 Years
The Issue
I am the parent of two children with complex Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Both my children attend Specialist Educational Settings and have Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs) in place to support them. However, there are many challenges as a family we all face, but financial support shouldn’t be one of them. Once a child reaches 16 years of age, much of this support ceases or changes due to the current eligibility laws for some benefits. This is a widespread issue that affects many families across the Country.
The legal age at which a person is now required to stay in some form of education has been raised to 18 years, yet Child Benefit payments only continue until a child is 16 unless you have advised the continuation of education beyond this. In addition children in receipt of DLA have to apply for PIP at 16yrs when are still expected to be in education. From 16yrs expected to travel to and from places of education without support from Local Authority services such as PTS. This has put an additional burden on families who are struggling to provide the necessary support for their children during a crucial stage in their educational journey. Benefits for children should automatically continue up to 18 years (the term before reaching 19yrs) in line with the changes in the education law.
By increasing the age at which Child Benefit, DLA, Local Authority services, for example are given, we are ensuring that families continue to receive support while their children are still legally required to be in education. This minor change would prevent families from facing financial hardship and provide stability for children whilst continue thier education.
Raising the age of Benefits given for children to match the legal age for required education is a logical step. So I ask: let's realign the system to better support our families and children, including those with special educational needs. Please sign this petition for extending the age of all child related Benefits from 16 to 18 years (term before 19th birthday). Thank you
12
The Issue
I am the parent of two children with complex Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Both my children attend Specialist Educational Settings and have Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs) in place to support them. However, there are many challenges as a family we all face, but financial support shouldn’t be one of them. Once a child reaches 16 years of age, much of this support ceases or changes due to the current eligibility laws for some benefits. This is a widespread issue that affects many families across the Country.
The legal age at which a person is now required to stay in some form of education has been raised to 18 years, yet Child Benefit payments only continue until a child is 16 unless you have advised the continuation of education beyond this. In addition children in receipt of DLA have to apply for PIP at 16yrs when are still expected to be in education. From 16yrs expected to travel to and from places of education without support from Local Authority services such as PTS. This has put an additional burden on families who are struggling to provide the necessary support for their children during a crucial stage in their educational journey. Benefits for children should automatically continue up to 18 years (the term before reaching 19yrs) in line with the changes in the education law.
By increasing the age at which Child Benefit, DLA, Local Authority services, for example are given, we are ensuring that families continue to receive support while their children are still legally required to be in education. This minor change would prevent families from facing financial hardship and provide stability for children whilst continue thier education.
Raising the age of Benefits given for children to match the legal age for required education is a logical step. So I ask: let's realign the system to better support our families and children, including those with special educational needs. Please sign this petition for extending the age of all child related Benefits from 16 to 18 years (term before 19th birthday). Thank you
12
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Petition created on 14 January 2025