Some parents and legal guardians are required to update their personal information on GOV.UK to guarantee Child Benefit payments continue in June.
This affects anyone with a 16-year-old child who was previously enrolled in extra education or training but has since left, as well as those who have reached the age limit but are now pursuing full-time study.
Parents Warned to Update Child Benefit Details Before Deadline for Uninterrupted Payments
According to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) instructions on GOV.UK, Child Benefit payments will stay in effect until the first of four designated days each year after their 16th birthday, the next of which is May 31. On the other hand, HMRC cautions: “If you fail to update your details in time, you may still be able to claim Child Benefit, but your payments might be late.”
The payment is made to those who are responsible for raising a child under the age of 16 or a youngster under the age of 20 while remaining in full-time education or undergoing recognised training.
Child Benefit and Guardian's Allowance payments rose by 6.7% on April 6.
Households with one child will now get up to £1,331 in the fiscal year 2024/25, a yearly rise of £83.20, or up to £881 this year for each additional child, an annual increase of £54.60.
There is no limit on how many children a family can claim. Parents will get £102.40 every four weeks (£25.60 per week) for their first or only child, and £67.80 every four weeks (£16.95 per week) for additional children.
Child Benefit Pay Rates 2024/25
Eldest or only child: £25.60 (previously £24.00).
Additional children: £16.95 (previously £15.90).
Guardian's Allowance
£21.75 from April 2024 (up from £20.40 previously).
Why Child Benefit Payments Could End
If your Child Benefit payment rate fluctuates and you're not sure why, Income Tax experts have identified four likely reasons.
You Didn't Update Your Information on Time
Your kid Benefit will be terminated automatically on May 31 after the kid reaches 16, unless you notify HMRC that your child is continuing in full-time study or training, or that they are entering the military services or a government-sponsored jobs programme.
If your child remains in school or training but later decides to quit, you will continue to receive Child Benefit until the date after their 16th birthday, whichever comes first:
- The last day of February — when full-time non-advanced education or approved training ends in December, January, or February.
- May 31 — when full-time non-advanced education or approved training ends in March, April, or May.
- August 31 — when the young person is in Scotland taking a 'higher certificate' or 'advanced higher certificate' and entered for exams that finish before the end of May.
- November 30 — when full-time non-advanced education or approved training ends in September, October, or November.
If you fail to update your information on time, you may still be eligible to receive Child Benefit, but your payments may be delayed.
Your Situation Has Changed
You must notify HMRC of any changes to your circumstances as soon as possible, as they might influence how much Child Benefit you are entitled to, and some changes may result in you receiving more money.
These include changes in your:
- Family life, such as marriage.
- Children's life, like leaving education or training.
Your Child's Situation Has Altered
You must notify HMRC of any changes in your child's circumstances.
The following circumstances may influence your access to Child Benefit:
- If your child reached the age of 16 or 20 and is in education or training.
- Your child is between the ages of 16 and 20 when he or she exits education or training.
- Your child is older than 16 and begins working more than 24 hours per week.
- Your child marries or enters a civil partnership.
- Your child disappears or dies.
- Your child has lived away from you for more than eight weeks in a row.
- Your child moves in with their partner permanently.
- Your child is imprisoned for more than eight weeks.
You've Started Receiving Other Benefits
If you begin receiving payments from your local government or someone else who is caring for your kid, your kid Benefit may be decreased or discontinued entirely. If you receive other benefits, the benefit cap may reduce your Child Benefit.
Full information regarding Child Benefit is available on the GOV.UK website here.