Parents whose children have just received their GCSE results are being urged to update their Child Benefit claims before the end of August or risk losing up to £1,406 a year.
HMRC issued the warning on its social media channels after GCSE results were announced on Thursday. The department reminded families that Child Benefit automatically stops on 31 August on or after a child's 16th birthday unless the parent tells HMRC that the child is staying in education or training.
What parents need to do
According to the rules, Child Benefit can continue until a child turns 20 if they are in certain types of education or training. However, the person claiming Child Benefit must notify HMRC of the child's plans. This can be done through the HMRC app or online by 31 August.
The HMRC message said: "Has your child recently received their GCSE results? If they're staying in education or training next year, you'll need to update your Child Benefit claim on the HMRC app or online by 31 August. Don't miss out on up to £1,406 a year."
Payment rates and qualifying courses
There are two Child Benefit rates. The weekly payment for the eldest or only child is £27.05, and the rate for any additional children is £17.90 per week per child.
Child Benefit can continue if the child is in full-time non-advanced education, which means more than an average of 12 hours a week of supervised study or course-related work experience. Qualifying courses include A levels, T levels, GCSEs, Scottish Highers, NVQs and most vocational qualifications up to level 3, home education, study programmes in England, and pre-apprenticeships.
Child Benefit cannot be claimed for children studying for a university degree, a BTEC Higher National Certificate, a pre-degree course such as a foundation diploma, an HNC or HND, or a Certificate of Higher Education.
Parents may receive a letter in their child's last year at school asking them to confirm the child's plans. The benefit stops automatically on 31 August if the child leaves education or training, if the parent does not tell HMRC the child is staying, or if the child is in a type of education or training where Child Benefit cannot be paid.
