Child Benefit payments will stop for thousands of parents next month unless they update their claim with HMRC. The benefit, worth £27.05 per week for the first child and £17.90 for each additional child, automatically ceases on August 31 on or after your child's 16th birthday.
Who Can Claim Child Benefit?
You can claim Child Benefit if you are responsible for a child under 16, or under 20 if they are in approved education or training. If your child continues education or training after turning 16, you must notify HMRC to keep receiving payments.
Notification Requirements
Parents must inform HMRC if their child leaves approved education or training early. If the child completes their course, payments stop at the end of February, May 31, August 31, or November 30, whichever comes first.
Approved education includes A-Levels, NVQs, and home education, but not university or BTEC qualifications. Notifications can be made via GOV.UK.
Payment Details
Child Benefit is paid every four weeks on a Monday or Tuesday by HMRC. Over seven million families currently claim it. To qualify, the child must normally live with you, or you must pay at least the equivalent amount toward their care.
Foster parents can claim if the local council does not cover accommodation or maintenance. Adoptive parents and those caring for a friend's or relative's child may also be eligible. There is no limit on the number of children you can claim for, but only one person can claim per child.
High Income Child Benefit Charge
If you or your partner earn over £60,000, you must repay 1% of your Child Benefit for every £200 earned above that threshold. Once income exceeds £80,000, you must repay 100% of the benefit.
