Parents across the UK are being urged to respond promptly to HMRC communications this summer to avoid the automatic cessation of Child Benefit payments, which may come into effect for many families over the coming months.
The warning applies in particular to households where children are turning 16 and potentially leaving full-time education or training. According to a recent report by Devon Live, failure to confirm a child’s continued eligibility could result in payments being stopped altogether.
These developments are part of HMRC’s annual review process and aim to ensure benefits are only extended where qualifying conditions continue to be met.
Automatic End of Payments at Age 16
According to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and official guidance from GOV.UK, Child Benefit typically ends on August 31 following a child’s 16th birthday, unless parents confirm that their child is continuing in approved education or training. If no action is taken, payments will stop regardless of the family’s previous eligibility.
Parents will receive a reconfirmation letter from HMRC in the final school year of their child. This year, the correspondence will include a QR code that links directly to the relevant GOV.UK webpage, allowing claimants to update their status online. HMRC introduced the QR code feature this year to streamline the process.
Between May 24 and July 17 of last year, more than 1.4 million of these letters were sent to households across the UK, underlining the scale of the operation and the number of families potentially affected.
What Qualifies as Approved Education
To qualify for continued Child Benefit, a child aged 16 to 19 must be enrolled in full-time education, defined as more than 12 hours per week of supervised study or course-related work experience. Approved educational routes include:
- A levels or equivalent, such as the International Baccalaureate
- T levels
- Scottish Highers
- NVQs and most vocational qualifications up to level 3
- Study programmes in England
- Pre-apprenticeships
- Home education, if it began before age 16 or after 16 where the child has a statement of special educational needs
Children must be accepted onto these courses before their 19th birthday for eligibility to be maintained.
Approved Training Alternatives
Unpaid training programmes may also qualify, depending on the region and the nature of the programme. In Wales, eligible options include Foundation Apprenticeships, Traineeships, and the Jobs Growth Wales+ scheme.
In Scotland, the qualifying programme is the No One Left Behind initiative. In Northern Ireland, approved training includes the PEACEPLUS Youth Programme 3.2, Training for Success, and Skills for Life and Work.
In all cases, the training must not be part of an employment contract. Courses arranged by employers for the purpose of job placement or on-the-job skill development are not considered eligible.
Situations That Disqualify Your Claim
Parents cannot continue receiving Child Benefit if their child is studying for a university degree or a BTEC Higher National Certificate, both of which are considered advanced courses.
The same applies if the child is engaged in an apprenticeship, unless it is a Foundation Apprenticeship in Wales. Additionally, courses taken as part of an employer agreement—either to secure a job or to gain skills for an existing position—do not qualify.
These conditions automatically exclude children from eligibility under the current benefit rules.
Temporary Breaks and Date-Specific Payment Deadlines
If a child takes a break from their education or training—for example, when changing institutions—parents should notify HMRC, as payments might continue during short gaps.
Once a child permanently leaves education or training, Child Benefit payments end on the nearest scheduled date, which could be:
- End of February
- 31 May
- 31 August
- 30 November
The applicable date depends on when the education or training ends.
20-Week Extension for Career-Related Transitions
If a child leaves approved education or training, families may apply for a 20-week payment extension, known as a “Child Benefit extension,” if the child:
- Is 16 or 17 years old
- Works fewer than 24 hours per week
- Does not receive certain benefits (e.g. Income Support)
- Has registered with a local careers service (such as Connexions) or plans to join the armed forces
Applications must be submitted within 3 months of the child leaving their approved course. The extension can be requested online or by contacting HMRC directly.
How to Report Changes or Continue Your Claim
Only the person who receives the Child Benefit may update HMRC about a child’s educational plans. This can be done by filling in one of the following forms:
- CH297: to confirm that the child is staying in education or training
- CH459: to inform HMRC that the child is leaving education or training
Parents will need a Government Gateway ID and password to access online services. Those who do not have an account can register using their National Insurance number or postcode, and provide two forms of identification.
What Parents Need to Do Now
Families are encouraged to act promptly when they receive the upcoming HMRC letter. The streamlined QR code and online process are designed to ensure that eligible parents can maintain their weekly payments of £26.05 for a first child and £17.25 for additional children without disruption.
For full eligibility criteria, reporting links, and form access, visit gov.uk/child-benefit-16-19.
