Child Benefit provides financial support to eligible families, with payments of £27.05 a week for the first child and £17.90 a week for each additional child. The benefit can continue for young people under 20 if they remain in certain types of education or training.
Parents Must Confirm Education or Training Details With HMRC
The deadline follows the period when many teenagers receive their GCSE results and decide their next steps. Parents whose children continue in full-time, non-advanced education must inform HMRC so their Child Benefit claim can continue.
According to HMRC, eligible courses include A levels, T levels, Scottish Highers, NVQs up to level 3 and some approved training schemes. The benefit does not apply to children studying for a university degree, completing a standard apprenticeship in England, or taking a course that is part of a job contract.
Parents can update their information through the HMRC app, GOV.UK, by phone or by post. Once a child has completed their education or training, payments continue until the end of one of the relevant periods: February, 31 May, 31 August or 30 November.
HMRC Chief Customer Officer Myrtle Lloyd said the results period is a time when teenagers make decisions about their future plans. “It’s the perfect time for parents to confirm those plans with us,” she said, adding that the process can be completed through the HMRC app or GOV.UK.
Families are also required to tell HMRC if a child leaves education or training before completing their course. Failure to report this change can lead to payments being made when a family is no longer entitled to receive them.
Child Benefit Rules Depend on Income and Responsibility for a Child
Child Benefit is available to people responsible for a child under 16, or under 20 if the child remains in approved education or training. According to the rules outlined by HMRC, the child normally needs to live with the person making the claim, or that person must contribute at least the same amount as the Child Benefit payment towards their care.
There is no limit on the number of children a person can claim Child Benefit for, although only one person can make a claim for each individual child. The benefit can also affect higher earners through the High Income Child Benefit Charge.
Parents or partners earning less than £60,000 a year can receive the full Child Benefit amount. For those earning above that level, the charge requires them to repay 1% of the benefit for every £200 earned over £60,000. The payment is effectively removed when earnings exceed £80,000.
According to HMRC, parents should check their circumstances and make sure their claims reflect their child’s current situation. The August deadline applies to families whose children are continuing education or training and need their details updated to avoid interruptions to payments.
