Parents could risk losing out on cash for failing to notify HMRC
Parents across the country are being urged to contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) or they could risk losing money. Parents with children aged 16 who are continuing in education or starting approved training need to update their details to maintain their claims.
At present, 7.62 million UK households claim Child Benefit – which provides £26.05 weekly or £1,354.60 annually for the eldest or only child and £17.25 weekly or £897 annually for each additional child. Generally, you qualify if you’re responsible for someone under 16, but you can continue claiming until your child is 20. However, when your child turns 16, it’s necessary to inform the government to continue receiving benefits.
While the deadline to notify passed on August 31, HMRC is reminding parents that they still have the opportunity to notify it. Writing on X, HMRC said: “Parents! Missed the deadline to extend your Child Benefit claim? No need to call.
“Let us know if your 16-19-year-old is staying in Full-Time Non Advanced Education online to keep receiving your payments”
The rules state that you can continue receiving Child Benefit if your child engages in “approved” education or training for more than 12 hours a week.
This includes studying for A levels, T levels, Scottish Highers, NVQs, or similar qualifications, as well as traineeships. Eligibility for home-schooled children remains if such an arrangement started before they turned 16 or if your child has special educational needs or disabilities.
However, if your child enrols in an advanced course such as a university degree, BTEC Higher National Certificate, intermediate/advanced apprenticeship, or an employer-funded course, eligibility ceases. Parents with 16-year-old children claiming Child Benefit are being urged to swiftly update their benefit information before August 31 to avoid losing their claim.
If your 16 year old is continuing in approved education, you must inform HMRC before the deadline. Once your child completes approved education or training, Child Benefit payments will cease at the end of February, May 31, August 31, or November 30, whichever comes first.
Parents can extend their Child Benefit claims using the HMRC app or online via GOV.UK. The letters also include a QR code that directs parents to the digital service on GOV.UK..
According to HMRC, updating your Child Benefit claim takes only “minutes.” Last year, over 870,000 parents renewed their Child Benefit claims for their teenagers, with most doing so online.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, stated: “Child Benefit is an important boost to families. As soon as you know what your teenager is planning to do, extend your claim in minutes to guarantee your payments continue in September. Simply go to GOV.UK or the HMRC app to confirm today.”
