Morning

This is a difficult question and not one that can be answered easily. The definition of a dependent for higher education is different compared to an insolvency process.

The trigger figures under the guidance increase each year so this may not be an issue. For example, the amount allowed to be spent for food has increased for you as well as travel , telephone and other. Also I would suspect your essential expenditure such as rent, gas, electricity may have also increased since entering into the trust deed.

All in all , doesn't mean you will be paying a higher contribution.

If your son is able to make a contribution into the household then you can demonstrate he is a non dependant adult and may be afforded the allowances.

P

Thanks for your reply, I am sorry I am not entirely sure what you mean. I am really confused by how it will all work.

I assume just now part of my expenditure will include allowances for him but as he will still be under my roof and care I am still going to be providing financially, if he contributes in to the household then this will make him a non dependent and therefore I am seen as not finianciallh responsible - is that correct ? Or if he does contribute then he will still be classsed as dependent on me ? Sorry I am all mixed up and as a parent don’t think I can ask him to make a contribution as he is not working.

I am so worried they increase my payment, it was increased by around £80 at my last review and I am struggling to meet that as it is. Thanks and apologies for being confused by it all

Hi Jess541j.

It is confusing and there isn't necessarily a black and white answer that we can provide to you.

I think Paul is trying to say that your son leaving school and beginning university isn't necessarily going to result in an increase in your monthly contribution. It's one moving part amongst many others.

It is also the case though that a child leaving school and beginning university might not be seen in quite the same way, as a financial dependent, as a child who continues to attend school. You'd obviously see this where a child goes away to university and becomes responsible for managing their own financial affairs.

Perhaps it might be an idea to contact your trustee and ask them how they'd interpret the situation that you're describing? In the end it's going to be their interpetation that's the most important thing here.

Thanks for that, I will do this.