The GCSE season is in full swing, with students across the country sitting their exams. Parents are being advised by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to take action to ensure the continuation of their Child Benefit payments throughout the summer.
This reminder comes as the school year nears its end, and HMRC is highlighting the importance of informing them about any changes to a child’s educational status after their GCSE exams. Failure to do so could lead to disruptions in payments.
According to DevonLive, it is crucial for parents to update HMRC to avoid losing their entitlement to financial support.
Why Parents Need to Contact HMRC
Child Benefit is generally paid until August 31 after your child’s 16th birthday or until they leave education or training.
However, once students finish their GCSEs, payments could stop unless HMRC is notified about their continued education or training plans. HMRC needs to be made aware of any updates to your child’s circumstances.
Writing on X (formerly known as Twitter), HMRC said:
“It’s #GCSE season! If your teen is continuing education or training after their exams, you’ll need to let us know. Use our online service to update your Child Benefit claim to keep receiving payments.”
Parents must update their Child Benefit claims to avoid any interruption in payments.
How to Ensure Continued Payments
HMRC recommends using their online service to inform them if your child is continuing their education or training after their exams.
Not all forms of education and training are eligible for Child Benefit, so parents must confirm that their child’s post-GCSE plans align with the approved list of qualifications.
Approved Education and Training Courses for Child Benefit
Parents can continue receiving Child Benefit if their child engages in specific educational or training programs that meet certain criteria.
These include A levels, T levels, home education, and vocational programs like apprenticeships in Wales and Northern Ireland.
The key requirement is that the education involves more than 12 hours per week of supervised study or training, which should be unpaid.
What Education Is Not Eligible?
Certain courses do not qualify for Child Benefit, including:
- BTEC Higher National Certificate courses
- University degrees
- An Apprenticeship (except for Foundation Apprenticeships in Wales)
- Training courses that are part of an employment contract
- Employer agreement courses that are part of getting the skills for a job they’re already in
These forms of education and training are not covered under the Child Benefit policy.
How to Contact HMRC
Parents can update their child’s status with HMRC using the Government Gateway online service.
Alternatively, they can contact HMRC by phone at 0300 200 3100 (having their National Insurance Number ready), or by post at HM Revenue and Customs — Child Benefit Office, PO Box 1, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE88 1AA, United Kingdom.
To avoid any disruption in benefits, parents should update HMRC promptly as their child completes their GCSEs and transitions to further education or training.
