HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has launched a major initiative, sending around 1.5 million letters to parents who risk automatically losing their Child Benefit claims this year unless they take prompt action.
Child Benefit Value and Eligibility
Child Benefit is worth at least £1,406.60 annually, providing financial support alongside National Insurance credits. However, families claiming the benefit will automatically have payments stopped after their child turns 16. This does not necessarily mean they are no longer eligible, as children meeting certain criteria can qualify for up to an additional four years of payments, but parents must inform HMRC.
The letters remind parents that the deadline to extend their Child Benefit claim is August 31. Most letters are expected to arrive from May 8, each containing a QR code linking to the correct digital portal for extending claims. HMRC notes that parents do not need to wait for the letter; if their child's plans for the next academic year are already decided, they can extend the claim early via the Gov.uk website.
Eligibility Criteria for Extension
To be eligible for an extension, the child must not be receiving Universal Credit and must plan to spend the next year in full-time approved training or education. They must also have been accepted onto the course before turning 19. The full list of qualifying courses includes A levels, T levels, Scottish Highers, Foundation Apprenticeships, Traineeships, and the Jobs Growth Wales+ scheme in Wales.
Education and training that is not approved for Child Benefit purposes includes:
- Studying for a university degree or BTEC Higher National Certificate
- Apprenticeships, unless it is a Foundation Apprenticeship in Wales
- Courses with an employer's agreement
- Training courses that are part of a job contract
Additional Information
If a child leaves approved education or training, parents must inform HMRC so Child Benefit support can be stopped. However, support may continue for another 20 weeks, known as an extension, under certain circumstances.
Child Benefit provides £27.05 per week for the eldest or only child and £17.90 per week for each additional child. For families with one child, this amounts to at least £1,406.60 per year. Only one person can claim Child Benefit for a child, but there is no limit to the number of children claimed for.
