Apprenticeships are an excellent way to gain practical skills and knowledge while earning a wage. However, you may wonder, “Do you still get family allowance when doing an apprenticeship?”
You may wonder if you are still eligible to receive family allowance payments as an apprentice. This article will delve into the details and provide all the necessary information.
What is Family Allowance?
Family Allowance, also known as Child Benefit, is a regular payment made by the government to help families with the costs of raising children. It is designed to provide financial support to parents or guardians responsible for a child under 16 (or under 20 if they are still in education or training).
Apprenticeships and Family Allowance
Regarding apprenticeships, whether or not you continue to receive family allowance depends on various factors. The key consideration is whether you are still considered a “qualifying young person” for the benefit.
Age and Education/Training Status
To be considered a qualifying young person, you must be under 20 and still in full-time education or approved training. If you meet these criteria, you can continue receiving family allowance throughout your apprenticeship.
Working Hours and Earnings
While apprenticeships involve practical work and formal training, they are typically considered full-time employment. If you work more than 24 hours a week and earn above a certain threshold, you may not be eligible for family allowance.
As of the current guidelines, if you earn over £50,000 per year, you will no longer receive the full family allowance. There is a gradual reduction in the benefit if your income is between £50,000 and £60,000 per year. If your earnings exceed £60,000 per year, you will not be entitled to any family allowance payments.
How to Apply and Notify the Authorities
To ensure you continue receiving family allowance while undertaking an apprenticeship, it is essential to inform the Child Benefit Office about any changes in your circumstances. This includes notifying them when you start an apprenticeship and providing updates on changes in working hours, earnings, or educational status.
You can contact the Child Benefit Office through their website or helpline. They will guide you through the process and provide the necessary forms or information to update your claim.
Summary
Whether or not you still receive family allowance while doing an apprenticeship depends on several factors. If you are under 20 and in full-time education or approved training, you can continue to receive the benefit. However, your eligibility may be affected if you are earning above a certain threshold or working more than 24 hours per week.
To ensure you receive the correct amount of family allowance, you must notify the Child Benefit Office about any changes in your circumstances. By staying informed and providing the necessary updates, you can continue to receive the financial support you are entitled to while pursuing your apprenticeship journey.