HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued a reminder to parents about the rules governing Child Benefit claims. Payments will automatically cease on August 31 following a child's 16th birthday unless parents confirm their teenager's intentions.
Urgent Action Required
Approximately 1.5 million reminder letters have been sent to parents and guardians, urging them to update their online accounts. HMRC's digital service for extensions launched in April, and those who already know their teenager's plans are advised to act promptly to avoid any interruption to monthly payments of £108.20.
Claim extensions can be submitted via the HMRC app or online at GOV.UK. The letters also feature a QR code linking directly to the digital service. Child Benefit is valued at £27.05 per week and paid every four weeks, providing around £2,406.60 over the 2026/27 financial year for the eldest or only child, reports the Daily Record.
Additional Payments
HMRC pays £17.90 per week for each additional child. Last year, 874,000 parents extended their claim, with over half doing so online or through the HMRC app.
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."
Eligible Education and Training
Child Benefit payments can continue for youngsters engaged in full-time study within approved non-advanced education programmes, encompassing:
- A levels or Scottish Highers
- International Baccalaureate
- Home education - if it started before their 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 will also remain in place for young people undertaking one of these unpaid approved training schemes:
- 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
Should a young person reconsider their educational or training plans, parents can easily notify HMRC online or via the app, and payments will be modified accordingly.
High Income Child Benefit Charge
When a Child Benefit claimant or their partner earns an individual income ranging from £60,000 to £80,000, the higher earner may face liability for the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC). Parents can utilise the Child Benefit tax calculator on GOV.UK for an estimate. The charge can be settled through their PAYE tax code using the HICBC digital service, or via Self Assessment.
