HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued a warning for parents claiming Child Benefit for children aged 16 to 19: they must notify the Child Benefit Office by August 31 if the child remains in approved education or training, or payments will stop. Only one person can receive Child Benefit for a child, but there is no limit on the number of children claimed for.
What Is Child Benefit?
Child Benefit is available to those responsible for a child under 16, or under 20 if they are in approved education or training. Beneficiaries receive a weekly allowance and National Insurance credits that count toward their State Pension. Additionally, the child automatically receives a National Insurance number shortly before turning 16, without needing to apply.
HMRC posted on X: "If you claim Child Benefit for them, you'll need to let us know by August 31 if they're staying in full-time education or approved training to keep receiving your payments."
Automatic Stoppage and How to Avoid It
Child Benefit automatically ceases on August 31 after the child's 16th birthday if they leave education or training. HMRC may send a letter during the child's final school year asking for confirmation of plans. If parents do not respond, payments stop. It is crucial to report any change of circumstances to the Child Benefit Office.
Eligibility for Continued Payments
Parents can continue receiving Child Benefit if the child is in full-time non-advanced education—defined as more than an average of 12 hours per week of supervised study or course-related work experience. Children with illnesses or disabilities may do fewer hours if appropriate. However, payments are not available for children pursuing university degrees, BTEC Higher National Certificates, pre-degree courses, Higher National Certificates, Higher National Diplomas, or Certificates of Higher Education.
For unpaid approved training courses, parents must inform HMRC if the child leaves before completion to avoid overpayments. HMRC warned: "If they leave the course before it’s complete, you must tell HMRC that your child is leaving education or training to avoid overpayments. If you get payments that you should not have, you might need to pay them back."
High Income Child Benefit Charge
Parents or partners earning more than £60,000 annually may need to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge. Even if payments have stopped due to this charge, changes in circumstances must still be reported.
Current Child Benefit Rates
As of the current tax year, the weekly rate for an eldest or only child is £27.05, and £17.90 for each additional child. Parents can claim for their own child, or someone responsible can claim on their behalf, but claiming directly usually results in higher payments.
