HM Revenue and Customs has issued a reminder to parents and carers who claim Child Benefit for children aged 16 to 19. The message focuses on an annual deadline that can affect whether payments continue into the next school year. Families who do not confirm their child’s education or training status by the end of August risk having their Child Benefit stopped.
Warning
HMRC has warned that parents claiming Child Benefit for older teenagers must update their details by August 31 if their child is staying in full time education or approved training. The reminder was shared publicly to ensure families are aware of the requirement before payments are automatically stopped.
The deadline applies to children who are nearing or have recently passed their 16th birthday.
Eligibility
You can claim Child Benefit if you are responsible for a child who is under 16. Claims can also continue until age 20 if the young person remains in approved education or training.
Only one person can receive Child Benefit for a child, but there is no limit on how many children you can claim for. Alongside weekly payments, Child Benefit also provides National Insurance credits, which count toward your State Pension entitlement.
In most cases, children also receive their National Insurance number automatically shortly before they turn 16, without needing to apply.
Reporting
HMRC requires parents to report changes in circumstances that could affect Child Benefit. This includes confirming whether a child aged 16 to 19 is continuing in education or training.
HMRC stated on social media that parents must notify them by August 31 to keep payments going. If HMRC is not told, Child Benefit will stop automatically.
Parents are often sent a letter during their child’s final year at school asking them to confirm future plans.
Stopping
Child Benefit usually stops on August 31 following a child’s 16th birthday if they leave education or training. Payments will also stop if HMRC is not informed that the child is continuing in eligible education or training.
If payments stop incorrectly, families may need to contact HMRC to have the claim reviewed or restarted.
Education
Child Benefit can continue if a child is in full time non-advanced education. Full time generally means more than an average of 12 hours a week of supervised study or course-related work experience.
If a child has an illness or disability, they may be able to study fewer hours if that is appropriate for their circumstances.
However, Child Benefit does not apply if a child is studying at a higher level. This includes university degrees, Higher National Certificates, Higher National Diplomas, Certificates of Higher Education, pre-degree courses, and similar qualifications.
Training
Child Benefit may also be paid if a child is enrolled in unpaid approved training. HMRC has warned that parents must inform them if a child leaves a course before it is completed.
If payments continue after a child is no longer eligible, this could lead to an overpayment that must be repaid.
Income
Families where one partner earns more than £60,000 a year may be affected by the High Income Child Benefit Charge. Even if you choose not to receive Child Benefit payments because of the tax charge, HMRC still requires you to report changes in your child’s education or training status.
This ensures records remain accurate and protects entitlement to National Insurance credits.
Rates
There are two weekly Child Benefit rates:
| Child | Weekly rate |
|---|---|
| Eldest or only child | £27.05 |
| Each additional child | £17.90 |
Claims can be made by a parent or by another person responsible for the child. In most cases, families receive more financial benefit when the parent claims directly.
For parents of older teenagers, confirming education or training plans before the August 31 deadline can help avoid unexpected interruptions to Child Benefit and prevent future repayment issues.
FAQs
Who needs to report by August 31?
Parents claiming Child Benefit for children aged 16 to 19.
What happens if HMRC is not told?
Child Benefit payments may stop automatically.
Does Child Benefit continue at university?
No, higher education courses are not eligible.
Can payments continue for approved training?
Yes, if the training is unpaid and approved.
