Child benefit payments will stop for some families this month unless they update their claim by the end of August, according to HMRC. Parents aged 16 to 19 have been given until August 31 to tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) whether their child will continue with approved education or training. Those who do not respond by the deadline risk having their child benefit payments automatically stopped.
Child benefit is up to £1,406.60 per year for the eldest or only child, and payments can be up to £930.80 per year for each additional child. The benefit may continue for children aged 16 to 19 who remain in full-time, non-advanced education or approved training. This includes A Levels, T Levels, Scottish Highers, NVQ up to Level 3 and some approved pathways. A full list of approved educational routes is available on GOV.UK.
HMRC has sent letters to around 1.5 million parents this year reminding them to extend the application deadline to 31 August. More than 372,000 parents renewed their child benefit payments digitally.
If you missed the August 31 deadline, you should update your child benefit claim as soon as possible rather than assuming you’ve lost payments.
Parents can use the HMRC app or GOV.UK to confirm that their teenager is continuing education or training.
Eligible parents should check with HMRC about any payments they may have missed after their claim was stopped.
Parents should be aware that child benefit cannot continue if their child has completed a university education, a standard apprenticeship in England or a course that is part of an employment contract.
They must also tell HMRC if their child’s circumstances change, such as leaving education or starting paid training, to avoid being overpaid.