HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding parents of 16 to 19-year-olds to extend their Child Benefit claim if their teenager is staying in certain types of education or training after their GCSEs or National 5s. Payments will automatically stop on August 31 on or after a child's 16th birthday unless parents confirm their teenager's plans.
Urgent Action Required
Around 1.5 million reminder letters have been issued to parents and guardians urging them to update their online account. HMRC’s digital service for extending opened in April, and those who already know their teenager's plans should act now to prevent a break in monthly payments of £108.20.
Claim extensions can be made on the HMRC app or online at GOV.UK. The letters also include a QR code linking directly to the digital service.
Child Benefit Payments and Eligibility
Child Benefit is worth £27.05 a week and paid every four weeks, providing some £2,406.60 over the 2026/27 financial year for the eldest or only child. HMRC pays £17.90 a week for each additional child. Last year, 874,000 parents extended their claim, with more than half doing so online or through the HMRC app.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, 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."
Approved Education and Training
Child Benefit can continue to be paid for children who are studying full time in approved non-advanced education, which includes: A levels or Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate, home education (if started before age 16, or after 16 with a statement of special educational needs assessed by the local authority), T levels, and NVQs up to level 3.
Payments also continue for children on unpaid approved training courses: Scotland’s Employability Fund programme and No One Left Behind; Wales’ Foundation Apprenticeships, Traineeships or Jobs Growth Wales+ scheme; Northern Ireland’s PEACEPLUS Youth Programme 3.2, Training for Success, or Skills for Life and Work.
Changes and Adjustments
If a child changes their mind about further education or training, parents can simply inform HMRC online or in the app and payments will be adjusted accordingly.
High Income Child Benefit Charge
If a Child Benefit claimant or their partner has an individual income between £60,000 and £80,000, the higher earner may be liable for the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC). Parents can use the Child Benefit tax calculator on GOV.UK for an estimate and pay the charge through their PAYE tax code using the HICBC digital service, or through Self Assessment.
