Child Benefit

How do I find out if my ex is in receipt of child benefit for my eldest child?

If he is over 18 does she need to prove he is in full time education or do they just take her word for it?

Is he still at a 6th form or similar? If so she can claim CB & possible CTC depending on he circumstances also whilst the child is still in full time education CM is still payable. I didn''t have to provide evidence in my case they just took my word for it - however I''m guessing if they discovered that a child wasn''t in full time education the person making a false claim would be in trouble and have to pay back any money which has been claimed illegally? I''m not sure how you could find out though unless you know if your son is still in full time education?

Hi, to continue to receive child benefit your ex will have to give the college and course details they are taking.Child benefit is only payable if the course is less than nvq level 4 or equivalent.
regards
Bemused1

Hi Bemused - I''m guessing different areas are different then? I gave no details of what my child was doing - just rang them to tell them that he was continuing in full time education. With the CTC I just ticked the box and returned the form. I didn''t have to inform anyone what course he was doing. The only people who wanted confirmation was the local council as I was claiming 25% discount on council tax as a single person - as a child over 18 in full time education doesn''t count as a adult in their eyes!

Would I be able to call the Benefits office and ask if my ex was receiving CB for my son?

You could try but as far as I''m aware they wouldn''t be able to tell you because of privacy/data protection or whatever? You would need her national insurance number details if you were going to try - if you think she is claiming unlawfully I guess there is nothing stopping you ringing and suggesting this but maybe best to make sure first? Can you not find out if your son is in full time education and ring the school/college to find out what course he is doing?

ahhhh.. I phoned the school and they confirmed that he is NOT enrolled in any classes, although he is welcome to attend classes as he sees fit to resit A levels.

I am pretty certain she is claiming CB as she tried to screw me out of another years CM stating he was full time. She even went through the bother of having her expensive solicitor send a threatening letter.

As CB and CM are often linked I want to be sure that both have him as not a full time student.