HMRC warns 1.5 million parents on Child Benefit deadline
HM Revenue & Customs is warning parents of teenagers aged 16 to 19 that child benefit could stop after 31 August unless they confirm education or training plans. The letters start going out from early May, with about 1.5 million families expected to receive them.
Parents are being asked to tell HMRC whether their child will stay in education or training after GCSEs or National 5s. Anyone who does not extend a claim by 31 August risks having payments stop automatically.
Myrtle Lloyd on HMRC app
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC chief customer officer, said parents can extend their claim in minutes through the HMRC app or on GOV.UK. She said: "Child Benefit is a real financial boost for families, so if your teenager already knows they're staying in education or training after their GCSEs or National 5s, you don't need to wait for our letter. You can extend your Child Benefit claim today in minutes via the HMRC app or online at GOV.UK."
HMRC said its digital platform has been available since 1 April, and 874,000 parents extended their claims last year. More than half of those parents used online methods, which means many families are already handling the renewal without paper forms.
31 August child benefit cutoff
Child Benefit is worth up to £27.05 a week for an eldest or only child, or £17.90 a week for each additional child. For an eldest or only child, that is worth up to £1,406.60 a year. HMRC also said payments are not available if the course is part of an employment contract.
Families can keep the benefit going if the teenager remains in education or training, but parents whose children are already on a course that has previously been reported to HMRC do not need to do anything further. The same households may also fall within the High Income Child Benefit Charge if either parent earns between £60,000 and £80,000.
For parents of 16- to 19-year-olds, the practical step is simple: use the app or GOV.UK before 31 August and make sure HMRC has the teenager’s current plans on record.
