HM Revenue & Customs has issued an urgent alert to parents across the UK, warning that failure to complete crucial Child Benefit forms could result in fines of up to £1,000 and the suspension of vital payments.
The tax authority is specifically targeting parents whose children are approaching their 16th birthday, requiring them to complete a 'CH297' form to continue receiving benefits until the child turns 20 if they remain in approved education or training.
Critical Deadline Approaching
HMRC emphasises that this isn't just a paperwork exercise – it's a mandatory requirement with serious financial consequences for non-compliance. Parents who miss the deadline risk having their Child Benefit payments stopped completely and facing financial penalties that could reach £1,000.
Who Needs to Take Action?
The alert applies specifically to parents with children who will turn 16 between September 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025. These families must complete and return the CH297 form to HMRC to confirm their child's continuing education status.
Even if children are staying in education, parents must formally notify HMRC to maintain their benefit eligibility. The process requires detailing the child's educational institution, course details, and expected completion date.
Why This Matters Now
With the new school year approaching, HMRC is proactively warning parents to avoid the common mistake of assuming benefits continue automatically. Last year, many families faced payment interruptions simply because they missed this crucial administrative step.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC's Director General for Customer Services, stated: "We want to make sure parents continue to receive Child Benefit for their teenagers who are still in education. To avoid missing out on payments, parents must confirm their child's education status by completing the form we're sending out."
How to Secure Your Payments
Affected parents should:
- Watch for the CH297 form arriving by post
- Complete all sections accurately regarding their child's education
- Return the form promptly using the provided envelope
- Keep copies of all documentation submitted
Parents who haven't received the form by mid-September or who have questions can contact HMRC's Child Benefit helpline for assistance and to request a replacement form if necessary.
