HMRC has issued a warning to parents claiming Child Benefit for teenagers: payments may stop if they do not update their information by August 31. The deadline applies to parents whose children turn 16 and continue in approved education or training.
Child Benefit is claimed by 7.62 million UK households, providing £26.05 per week (£1,354.60 annually) for the eldest or only child and £17.25 per week (£897 annually) for each additional child. Normally, eligibility ends when a child turns 16, but parents can continue claiming until the child is 20 if they are in approved education or training for more than 12 hours per week.
Approved education includes A levels, T levels, Scottish Highers, NVQs, and traineeships. Home schooling also qualifies if it started before age 16 or if the child has special needs. However, advanced courses like university degrees, BTEC Higher National Certificates, or intermediate/advanced apprenticeships do not qualify.
HMRC is sending letters to thousands of families until the end of July, prompting them to act. Parents can extend their claim via the HMRC app or online at GOV.UK. Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC's Director General for Customer Services, said: 'Child Benefit is an important boost to families. As soon as you know what your teenager is planning to do, extend your claim in minutes to guarantee your payments continue in September.'
Once a child finishes approved education or training, payments stop at the end of February, May, August, or November, whichever comes first. Last year, over 870,000 parents renewed their claims online.
