HMRC has issued a warning that Child Benefit payments will be stopped for parents who fail to take action by the August 31 deadline. The tax authority is sending letters to 1.5 million parents reminding them to confirm their child's plans to continue receiving the benefit.
What is Changing?
Child Benefit, managed by HMRC, provides financial support for raising children and is claimed by over 6.9 million families in the UK, according to the Labour government. Current rates are £27.05 per week (£1,406.60 per year) for the eldest child and £17.90 per week (£930.80 per year) for each additional child. This means a family with two children could receive £45 per week.
Key Deadline
Parents must respond by midnight on August 31 to keep payments going after their child turns 16. HMRC will send a letter asking for confirmation of the child's plans. If the child remains in education or approved training, payments can continue until age 20.
How to Respond
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 your letter. You can extend your Child Benefit claim today in minutes via the HMRC app or online at GOV.UK."
Eligibility Criteria
Child Benefit can continue for teenagers studying full-time in non-advanced education or on unpaid approved training courses. For Scotland, approved education and training is defined as full-time, non-advanced, and started before age 19. A course is considered full-time if it involves more than 12 hours per week of teaching or supervised study or exams.
Parents can also apply for the Child Benefit Extension Period if needed.
