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QUESTION one - I'm currently receiving child tax credit for my daughter who is 16 in June. Will I still be able to claim once she reaches 16? She is going to college so will not be working.

Answer: You can claim for a child or a qualifying young person, a child or someone who is under the age of 16, once she reaches 16 she will remain a child for child tax purposes up to and including August 31 following her 16th birthday. You can continue to claim for a qualifying young person until their 20th birthday if they are in full time education or are undertaking approved training or is under 18, has ceased full time education or approved training within the last 20 weeks and within three months of leaving has registered for work or training with the careers service, Department for Employment and Learning or the Connexions service. In addition to this a qualifying young person must work less than 24 hours a week, not receive income support or income based Job Seekers allowance and have started the course of education or training before reaching the age of 19.

Question two: My son had a current account but about a year ago he got into debt and the bank charges were very high so we decided to close his account. He now wishes to open another account but is worried the same could happen again and we are unsure because of his credit rating if he will be allowed to open one.

Answer: An option is to open a basic bank account as a step to opening a current account. With a basic bank account he will be able to have his wages or benefits paid directly into it, pay cheques in for free, take money out of cash machines with no charge, withdraw money at any post office and pay bills by direct debit. Your son will not be able to go overdrawn as he will not get an overdraft limit. He will get a statement usually every three months and will be able to get a mini statement from most cash machines and most Post Offices will allow him to check his balance. To open an account all he will need is a document with a photo such as a passport or driving licence.

Question three: I am looking to buy a second hand car. I have found one and it looks like a good price I am buying from a dealer so do I have any protection should something be wrong with the car?

Answer: With access to the internet you should be able to do some research as to what the car should be worth depending on its age and mileage etc. Before you go ahead with the purchase it is worth carrying out a check to discover if the car is stolen, has been subject to an insurance write off or whether there is outstanding finance from a previous sale. You can do this online by telephoning the relevant agencies. For peace of mind it is worth getting the vehicle inspected for mechanical faults by an expert although this will cost money it could prove to save you money in the long term. For more information about what to look for when buying a second hand car go to www.consumerdirect.org.uk if things do go wrong after the purchase the law does give you more protection buying from a dealer rather than a private seller.

Information supplied by Wyre Forest Citizens Advice Bureau. Telephone 01562 60194 or visit www.wyreforestcab.org.uk

2:50pm Sunday 4th May 2008

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