Parents of Teenagers Reminded to Extend Child Benefit Claims Online before 31st August.

• Parents of 16 to 19-year-olds urged to extend their Child Benefit claim by 31 August to avoid payments stopping
• Last year, 870,000 parents extended their claims, with most doing so online
• Using the HMRC app or digital service ensures quick and easy claim extensions

Parents of teenagers aged 16 to 19 will receive reminders from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to extend their Child Benefit claim by 31 August if their child continues in education or approved training, otherwise payments will automatically end.

Child Benefit payments stop automatically on or after a child’s 16th birthday on 31 August unless the claim is extended.

Between May and July, HMRC will send letters to parents prompting them to confirm online whether their teen is staying in full-time education or approved training after finishing their GCSEs, ensuring continued Child Benefit payments.

Parents can quickly and conveniently extend their claims using the HMRC app or via the online service on GOV.UK. The letters also include a QR code that takes parents directly to the digital service.

Currently, Child Benefit provides £26.05 per week (£1,354.60 annually) for the eldest or only child, and £17.25 per week (£897 annually) for each additional child. Over 870,000 parents renewed their claims for teens last year, mostly online or through the HMRC app within minutes.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, commented:

“Child Benefit is a valuable support for families. Once you know your teenager’s plans, extend your claim in just minutes to ensure payments continue from September. Simply visit GOV.UK or use the HMRC app to confirm now.”

Child Benefit can continue for young people enrolled in full-time non-advanced education or unpaid approved training courses. Eligibility details are available on GOV.UK.

If either the claimant or their partner earns between £60,000 and £80,000, the higher earner may be liable for the High Income Child Benefit Charge. For these families, an online Child Benefit tax calculator helps estimate benefit amounts and any charge payable.

Starting this summer, as part of the government’s Plan for Change, families can opt to pay this charge directly through their PAYE tax code using a new digital service—eliminating the need to file a Self Assessment tax return. Those who prefer can continue to pay through Self Assessment.

Families who previously opted out of Child Benefit payments can easily rejoin and restart payments online or through the HMRC app.

Teenagers turning 16 can also take control of their Child Trust Fund savings accounts, which may hold thousands of pounds, and access the funds once they turn 18. Child Trust Funds were established for children born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011.

If families know their Child Trust Fund provider, they can contact them directly. Otherwise, a free online tool on GOV.UK helps locate the provider.