I spoke to a parent today on our Helpline whose severely disabled son has been unable to attend education since he was 13 - now 16 1/2. In September the Child Benefit Office contacted mum to ask for letter from school stating they expected young person to return to education. She provided this and CB (and IS child premiums and allowances) continued to be paid.

However CB have now got back in touch to say that they need a letter from a doctor stating when he is likely to be fit enough to return to education. Payments have been suspended in the interim. Unfortunately GP has said he cannot say when, or even if, the young person will be able to return to school as condition is so unpredictable.

It's not clear whether CB feel that this is really a case where a child has ceased education rather than it simply being an interruption; or whether their problem is to do with determining whether the length of interruption is 'reasonable'. However what seems strange is the way they have shifted the goalposts and are only now asking for medical evidence. Does anyone know if there is any set protocols CB are supposed to use in such cases or whether their has been any relevant caselaw?

Derek; did you get your answers? Or maybe you could share contact details for some specialist? I have a ChB query regarding interruption if FE due to disability and tried looking at the regs but I am getting confused with amendments, reapeals, etc.

Hi Joanna

Sorry for not replying sooner - I hadn't noticed your response. I'm afraid that I never received an answer to this query. However shortly after I had posted, Child Benefit abruptly changed their minds and agreed to make ongoing payments. They have never given any explanation for their change of heart and we were reluctant to ask too many questions - let sleeping dogs lie and all that.

Derek