HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued a critical reminder to parents regarding Child Benefit claims, urging them to take action before August 31 to avoid disruptions in payments. Child Benefit payments will automatically cease on or after a child's 16th birthday unless parents confirm their teenager's future plans, such as staying in education or training.
Reminder Letters Sent to 1.5 Million Families
Approximately 1.5 million reminder letters have been dispatched to parents and guardians across the UK, encouraging them to update their online accounts without delay. The letters include a QR code linking directly to the digital service for extending claims, which was launched in April. Parents who are already aware of their teenager's intentions are urged to act promptly to ensure uninterrupted monthly payments of £108.20.
How to Extend Child Benefit Claims
Claim extensions can be submitted via the HMRC app or online at GOV.UK. The process is designed to be quick and straightforward, taking just minutes to complete. Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC's Chief Customer Officer, emphasized the importance of acting early: "Child Benefit is a real financial boost for families, so if your teenager already knows they're staying in education or training after their GCSEs or National 5s, you don't need to wait for our letter. You can extend your Child Benefit claim today in minutes via the HMRC app or online at GOV.UK."
Eligibility for Continued Payments
Child Benefit payments can continue for children who are undertaking full-time study in approved non-advanced education. This includes:
- A levels or Scottish Highers
- International Baccalaureate
- Home education, if it started before the child turned 16, or after 16 if they have a statement of special educational needs and it was assessed by the local authority
- T levels
- NVQs up to level 3
Payments also continue for children enrolled in unpaid approved training courses, such as:
- Scotland: Employability Fund programme and No One Left Behind
- Wales: Foundation Apprenticeships, Traineeships, or the Jobs Growth Wales+ scheme
- Northern Ireland: PEACEPLUS Youth Programme 3.2, Training for Success, or Skills for Life and Work
What If the Child Chooses Not to Continue Education or Training?
If a teenager decides against further education or training, parents can simply notify HMRC online or via the app, and payments will be adjusted accordingly. This ensures that families only receive benefits they are entitled to.
Financial Impact of Child Benefit
Child Benefit is currently worth £27.05 per week, paid every four weeks. For the eldest or only child, this amounts to approximately £2,406.60 over the 2026/27 financial year. For each additional child, families receive £17.90 per week. Last year, 874,000 parents extended their claims, with more than half doing so online or through the HMRC app.
High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC)
Parents should also be aware of the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC). If a claimant or their partner has an individual income between £60,000 and £80,000, the higher earner may be liable for this charge. To estimate potential charges, parents can use the Child Benefit tax calculator on GOV.UK. The charge can be settled through the PAYE tax code using the HICBC digital service or through Self Assessment.
HMRC urges all parents with teenagers approaching their 16th birthday to act now to avoid any interruption in their Child Benefit payments. For more information, visit GOV.UK or use the HMRC app.
