HMRC officials have issued a warning that monthly Child Benefit payments of approximately £108.20 could be halted in September unless parents take action by August 31. The government has sent around 1.5 million reminder letters to UK households urging them to confirm that their child remains in education or training between the ages of 16 and 19.
For families with two children, the monthly Child Benefit payment stands at £194.83, equivalent to about £44.95 per week, based on the 2026/27 rates. The payment for the eldest or only child is £27.05 per week, while each additional child receives £17.90 per week. If the oldest child turns 16 and no action is taken, the £108.20 every four weeks payment will be stopped.
Reminder Letters and Deadline
Approximately 1.5 million reminder letters are being delivered from late April, with most arriving in early May. Parents do not need to wait for their letter—they can extend their claim now via the HMRC app or online at GOV.UK. The letters also include a QR code linking directly to the digital service.
Child Benefit automatically stops on 31 August on or after a child's 16th birthday unless parents confirm their teenager's plans. Last year, 874,000 parents extended their claim, with more than half doing so online or through the HMRC app.
Eligibility and Value
Child Benefit is a payment from HMRC to help with the cost of raising a child. It is worth £27.05 per week (£1,406.60 per year) for the eldest or only child and £17.90 per week for each additional child. Parents can claim it if they have parental responsibility for someone under 16, or under 20 if they are in full-time education or approved training.
Parents also receive National Insurance credits towards their state pension, and their child automatically gets a National Insurance number at 16.
How to Extend Claims
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.'
Child Benefit can continue for teenagers studying full time in non-advanced education or on unpaid approved training courses. Visit GOV.UK for the full list of eligible courses.
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.
