Just a quick question

[stardust_john]

Son turns 13 soon and wants to do a paper round. I believe he will be allowed to do one road and earn about 15.00 a week for pocket money.

I support him learning he has to earn if he wants pc games etc but I am on dla and IS due to illness and wonder should I inform social security of what my son plans and will they take it off him or is he allowed to keep it?

He's so excited, you should hear what plans he has for his money already

[Hobbie]

John,

Bit of a tricky one, as I'm sure you have to inform the Department for Work & Pensions should your circumstances change.

But I don't think that a child doing a paper round is what the DWP mean, but like I say it is a tricky situation.

I'm just trying to find some information on this, as I'm sure other people may find it useful too.

[Hobbie]

According to the DWP.

What counts as a change of circumstances?
The law says that you should inform the DWP of any ‘relevant’ change of
circumstances. A relevant change of circumstance is one which has the potential to

change your DLA award, even if in the end it doesn’t do so.

I think the keyword here is, ‘relevant’ which like most things from Government Departments/Agencies is open and subject to interpretation.

If you think that your 13 year old son starting a paper round is ‘relevant’ then you should inform them, on the other hand if you think it is not ‘relevant’ then you don't need to inform them.

I suppose every one has a different understanding to the interpretation of relevant, and no doubt I'm sure it has been subject to legal argument also.

And finally....

Starting work does not generally count as a ‘relevant’ change of circumstances for
DLA because DLA does not depend on whether you are working and is not affected

by how much you earn, so you don’t have to inform Blackpool if you start work.

Although it talks about "You" Starting work, but it gives you a general idea about not having to inform.

[Michael Browne]

You have no fears whatsoever. DLA is not means tested, (neither the care or mobility portions) and to quote my sister who deals with DLA every day 'You can be a millionaire and still qualify'

[enamae]

For Income support

Children’s earnings
The earnings of children and young people are ignored unless the young person has left school and is in paid work. In these cases the first £5.00 of any earnings (or £20.00 if a disabled child premium is in payment for them) is ignored and the remainder counts against the personal allowance included in the Income Support calculation for the child. Any earnings that exceed the child’s personal allowance and any disabled child premium are disregarded.
Where Child Tax Credit has been awarded the earnings of any child or young person are totally ignored.

[stardust_john]

It seems then it will not affect income support and I realise it doesn't affect dla, thanks for the input.

Because I am unfortunately a worrier about 'the slightest little thing' I will give them a ring when he gets the round and at least get them to put a note on our file, just incase of problems.


Thanks again