HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will automatically stop £117.22 monthly Child Benefit payments to UK households from September if parents fail to extend their claim by August 31, 2026. The tax office has confirmed that payments will cease for those with teenagers aged 16 to 19 who do not confirm their child's continued education or training plans.
Who is affected and what needs to be done
Parents of 16 to 19-year-olds who are staying in full-time non-advanced education or approved unpaid training after their GCSEs or National 5s must extend their Child Benefit claim by the end of August. HMRC sent approximately 1.5 million reminder letters to affected households in May. The digital service for extending claims has been open since April 1, allowing parents who already know their teenager's plans to act immediately.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC's Chief Customer Officer, said: “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.”
Payment amounts and annual value
Child Benefit is currently worth £27.05 per week for the eldest or only child and £17.90 per week for each additional child, following a 3.8% uplift on April 6, 2026. This represents an annual increase of £52 and £33.80 respectively. Under the 2026/27 rates, a parent with one child can receive £1,406.60 per year, equating to approximately £117.22 per month. There is no limit on the number of children a claimant can receive Child Benefit for, subject to the Benefit Cap.
How to extend and consequences of missing the deadline
Parents can extend their claim online via the HMRC website or through the HMRC app. The reminder letters include a QR code linking directly to the digital service. According to HMRC, 874,000 parents extended their Child Benefit claim last year, with more than half doing so online or via the app. Failure to extend by August 31 will result in payments automatically stopping from that date, or after the child's 16th birthday, unless the teenager's plans are confirmed.
High Income Child Benefit Charge reminder
Parents should also be aware of the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC). If a Child Benefit claimant or their partner has an individual income between £60,000 and £80,000, the higher earner may be liable for this charge. Parents only need to act if their teenager is starting a new course or qualifying training in September; those already partway through a course previously notified to HMRC do not need to do anything.
