HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging parents of 16 to 19-year-olds to extend their Child Benefit claim by August 31 if their child is continuing in approved education or training. Parents who need to extend their claim can do so via the HMRC app or GOV.UK. Payments will stop automatically if HMRC does not receive confirmation by the deadline.
GCSE results and the deadline
This Thursday, August 20, hundreds of thousands of teenagers will get their GCSE results and start planning their next move. For families whose teenager is staying in non-advanced approved education or training, Child Benefit can continue, but only if parents act before August 31.
More than 372,000 parents have already extended their Child Benefit payment digitally ahead of the deadline. Child Benefit is worth up to £1,406.60 a year for the eldest or only child, and up to £930.80 a year for each additional child.
HMRC's message to parents
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC's chief customer officer, said: "Exam results season is a big moment for teenagers deciding their next steps, and it's the perfect time for parents to confirm those plans with us. Child Benefit is a vital source of support for many families and we don't want anyone to miss out. It only takes a few minutes using the HMRC app or GOV.UK, so make sure you’re receiving the payments you're entitled to."
Child Benefit continues for children in full-time, non-advanced education, including A levels, T levels, Scottish Highers, NVQs up to level 3, and certain approved training schemes.
Changes and High Income Child Benefit Charge
Parents whose child's plans change, for example if they leave education or start a paid apprenticeship, must tell HMRC straight away to avoid being overpaid. If a Child Benefit claimant or their partner has an individual adjusted net income of more than £60,000, the higher earner may need to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC).
Use the Child Benefit tax calculator on GOV.UK to find out how much HICBC to pay. Eligible parents can pay through their PAYE tax code using the HICBC digital service, or through Self Assessment.
