Home Educating and claiming benefits

So none of us really want to live off of state hand-outs, but some of us find ourselves with no other option.  The following was written to give you a base to start from.  Please do check current government rules, and check with the Jobcentre/tax credits and relevant benefit advice services.

 

If you are a parent and currently claim Job Seekers Allowance you are expected to be looking for work, this doesn't change when you Home Educate, you have to be available for work.  But the Jobcentre has to respect that you may not have approproiate child-care available to you, but you have to have made an effort.  The Jobcentre should not suggest that you put your child in school so that you can work.

 

If you claim Income Support you are not expected to look for work until your child is 5. 

If you claim Carer's Allowance you are not expected to look for work.

Child benefit and Tax Credits- post 16- the Child Benefit team are likely to contact you to find out your child's plans for their education.. You need to ask for their Home Education form and ensure that you return it to their Full-time education section. You need to inform the Tax Credits that your child is continuing in full-time education.
If you are starting to Home Educate, less than 6 months prior to your child's 16th, you may experience difficulty claiming.  But ig you explain that your child is in full-time non advanced Home Education, you may still be awarded the benefit.