HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has reminded parents claiming Child Benefit for 16 to 19-year-olds that they have only days left to notify the tax authority if their child will continue in non-advanced approved education or training.
In a post on X on Friday, August 28, HMRC warned that Child Benefit automatically stops on August 31 after a child turns 16. To keep receiving payments until the child turns 20, parents must tell HMRC if the child is staying in full-time education or approved training. The post added that the process takes only a few minutes via the HMRC app or online.
Backdating available for missed deadline
Parents of eligible children risk missing out on payments if they fail to notify HMRC, as payments stop automatically. However, Child Benefit can be backdated for up to three months from the date the claim is made, so those who miss the deadline should contact HMRC as soon as possible.
Child Benefit is a tax-free financial support from the Government for parents or guardians of a child under 16, or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training, according to the GOV.UK website.
Payment rates and eligibility
The benefit is worth £27.05 a week – or £1,406.60 a year – for the eldest or only child and £17.90 a week for each additional child. Claiming it provides the allowance paid every four weeks, National Insurance credits that count towards a State Pension, and a National Insurance number for the child without them having to apply for one.
Families whose teenager is remaining in non-advanced approved education or training can continue to claim Child Benefit, but only if parents take action before Monday, August 31. Child Benefit cannot be claimed for children undertaking a university degree, a standard apprenticeship in England, or a course that forms part of a job contract.
When action is required
Parents only need to take action if their teenager is starting a new course or qualifying training in September. If the teenager is already partway through a course previously notified to HMRC, no notification is needed.
The government categorises full-time education as more than an average of 12 hours a week of supervised study or course-related work experience, including homeschooling. The child may be able to do fewer hours if they have an illness or disability.
HMRC must be informed immediately if the child’s plans change, for example if they leave education or start a paid apprenticeship, so parents are not overpaid. Additionally, if a Child Benefit claimant or their partner has an individual adjusted net income over £60,000, the higher earner may need to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC).
HMRC previously said it has written to 1.5 million parents ahead of the August deadline. Those who have received a letter about it can scan the QR code to go straight to the digital service.
