Child Benefit Payments to Cease on August 31 Unless Parents Act
HMRC has confirmed that Child Benefit payments of £108.20 will automatically stop on August 31 for children turning 16, unless parents confirm their teenager's educational plans. Around 1.5 million reminder letters have been sent to families urging them to update their online account via the HMRC app or GOV.UK.
The payments, worth £27.05 per week and paid every four weeks, amount to £2,406.60 over the 2026/27 financial year for the eldest or only child. For additional children, HMRC pays £17.90 per week. Last year, 874,000 parents extended their claim, with over half using the digital service.
How to Extend Child Benefit Online
HMRC’s digital service for extending Child Benefit opened in April. Parents who already know their teenager's plans should act now to avoid a break in payments. The reminder letters include a QR code linking directly to the service. 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."
Eligible Education and Training Courses
Child Benefit continues for children studying full-time in approved non-advanced education, including A levels, Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate, home education (if started before age 16 or after 16 with a statement of special educational needs), T levels, and NVQs up to level 3. It also covers unpaid approved training courses such as Scotland's Employability Fund programme, Wales' Foundation Apprenticeships, and Northern Ireland's PEACEPLUS Youth Programme 3.2.
What If Plans Change?
If a child changes their mind about further education or training, parents can inform HMRC online or via the app, and payments will be adjusted accordingly. Additionally, 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 Self Assessment.
