I don't know if you are like me and have teenagers who are in post compulsory education. If so then you like me would find it helpful if they get the Educational Maintenence Allowance (EMA).
This allowance will pay the teenager in question up to £30 per week during term time to help with the costs of their education. This benefit it means tested against the income of the parents. So students who qualify will either receive £10, £20 or £30 per week. But those whos parents earn over a certain amount will get nothing, thus putting the entire burden of expenses onto the family.
When my oldest went into the 6th form,as we "earn too much" (just) my wife and I have paid out for all her costs. Now my youngest is also in further education and my outlay has suddenly doubled, quite tough when every other conceivable bill is rocketing as well.
Now I would have thought that there would be some sort of sliding scale on the means testing which took account of this. Not a bit of it! if I had 5 kids it still wouldn't have made any difference.
Don't get me wrong, I am not looking for a free handout here, but a bit of extra help would be nice.
If you like me think this situation is unfair then you could go to the following website and sign a petition to the Prime Minister.
bushytailedfox
It's the problem with means testing in general. Even when the will is there, it's just too difficult to create a fair system that works for everyone. For the level of complexity needed, the losses in fraud and honest mistakes, and the cost of administration, it would be cheaper and easier just to give the same money to everyone and deal with means testing though income tax.