Parents of 16 to 19-year-olds have just a fortnight remaining to notify HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) whether their child will continue in non-advanced approved education or training, or they risk losing Child Benefit payments, the tax authority announced on Monday.
Deadline and how to respond
This Thursday, hundreds of thousands of teenagers will receive their GCSE results and begin mapping out their next steps. For families whose teenager is remaining in non-advanced approved education or training, Child Benefit can continue, but only if parents take action before August 31.
Parents can extend their claim within minutes via the HMRC app or on GOV.UK. Those who have received a letter from HMRC can also scan the QR code to access the digital service directly. Payments will cease automatically for anyone who has failed to respond by the deadline.
Numbers and value
More than 372,000 parents have already extended their Child Benefit payment digitally ahead of the cut-off date. Child Benefit is worth up to £1,406.60 a year for the eldest or only child, and up to £930.80 a year for each additional child.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC's Chief Customer Officer, said: "Exam results season is a big moment for teenagers deciding their next steps and it's the perfect time for parents to confirm those plans with us. Child Benefit is a vital source of support for many families and we don't want anyone to miss out. It only takes a few minutes using the HMRC app or GOV.UK, so make sure you're receiving the payments you're entitled to."
Eligibility and further obligations
Child Benefit remains payable for youngsters undertaking full-time, non-advanced education, encompassing A levels, T levels, Scottish Highers, NVQs up to level 3, and certain recognised training programmes. A comprehensive list of qualifying educational pathways can be found on GOV.UK.
Parents whose child's circumstances alter, such as leaving education or commencing a paid apprenticeship, must notify HMRC immediately to prevent overpayment.
Should a Child Benefit claimant or their partner possess an individual adjusted net income exceeding £60,000, the higher earner may be liable to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC). Utilise the Child Benefit tax calculator on GOV.UK to determine the HICBC amount owed. Qualifying parents can settle payment via their PAYE tax code using the HICBC digital service, or through Self Assessment.
