Millions of parents across the United Kingdom are being urged by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to take immediate action to prevent their Child Benefit payments from ceasing on August 31. The warning comes as reminder letters are dispatched to approximately 1.5 million households, targeting parents of teenagers aged 16 to 19 who are continuing in education or training.
Why Are Letters Being Sent?
Child Benefit payments automatically stop on August 31 following a child's 16th birthday unless parents confirm that their teenager is staying in approved education or training. To avoid a disruption in payments, HMRC is sending reminder letters from late April, with the majority expected to arrive on doorsteps in early May. Parents are advised not to wait for the letter, as the digital service for extending claims has been available since April 1.
How to Extend Your Claim
Parents can extend their Child Benefit claim using the HMRC app or online at GOV.UK. The letters include a QR code that links directly to the digital service for convenience. Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC's Chief Customer Officer, stated: "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."
What Is Child Benefit Worth?
Child Benefit provides financial support of £27.05 per week (equivalent to £1,406.60 per year) for the eldest or only child, and £17.90 per week for each additional child. Last year, 874,000 parents extended their claims, with more than half using the online or app-based services.
Eligibility and Conditions
Child Benefit can continue for teenagers who are studying full-time in non-advanced education or undertaking unpaid approved training courses. Full-time education is defined as more than an average of 12 hours per week of supervised study or course-related work experience, including home schooling. For children with illnesses or disabilities, reduced hours may be acceptable. However, Child Benefit cannot be claimed if the teenager's course is part of a job contract.
Parents only need to act if their teenager is starting a new course or qualifying training in September. Those already partway through a course previously notified to HMRC do not need to contact the department.
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.
Staying Safe from Scams
HMRC reminds parents that QR codes in official letters will always direct to GOV.UK or the HMRC app. Suspicious emails containing QR codes should be reported to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk.
Parents can view and manage their Child Benefit claim via the HMRC app, including checking payment information, proof of entitlement, and adding children. With the deadline of August 31 fast approaching, HMRC urges all eligible parents to act promptly to secure their payments.
