HMRC Child Benefit warning as parents must act or payments stop this summer

Parents have been cautioned they risk missing out on money if they fail to complete one essential task. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging parents of 16 to 19-year-olds to renew their Child Benefit claim should their teenager be continuing with particular forms of education or training after finishing their GCSEs or National 5s. HMRC has cautioned that Child Benefit payments will stop automatically on August 31 on or following a child's 16th birthday unless parents verify their teenager's plans. According to the Daily Record , around 1.5 million reminder letters are being dispatched to parents and guardians between now and early May. However, parents don't need to wait for their letter to turn up. HMRC's digital service for renewing claims launched on April 1, allowing those who are already aware of their teenager's intentions to act immediately to prevent a break in monthly payments of £108.20. Claim renewals can be made through the HMRC app or online at GOV.UK . The letters also include a QR code giving direct access to the digital service. Child Benefit is valued at £27.05 weekly and paid every four weeks, delivering some £2,406.60 throughout the 2026/27 financial year for the eldest or only child. HMRC pays £17.90 weekly for each additional child. Last year, 874,000 parents extended their claim, with over half doing so online or through the HMRC app. Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC's Chief Customer Officer, said: "Child Benefit is a real financial boost for families, so if your teenager already knows they're staying in education or training after their GCSEs or National 5s, you don't need to wait for our letter. "You can extend your Child Benefit claim today in minutes via the HMRC app or online at GOV.UK." Child Benefit can continue to be paid for children who are studying full time in approved non-advanced education, which includes: A levels or Scottish Highers International Baccalaureate home education - if it started before their child turned 16, or after 16 if they have a statement of special educational needs and it was assessed by the local authority T levels NVQs, up to level 3 Child Benefit will also continue for children studying on one of these unpaid approved training courses: Scotland: Employability Fund programme and No One Left Behind Wales: Foundation Apprenticeships, Traineeships or the Jobs Growth Wales+ scheme Northern Ireland: PEACEPLUS Youth Programme 3.2, Training for Success or Skills for Life and Work If a child changes their mind about further education or training, parents can simply inform HMRC online or in the app and payments will be adjusted accordingly. If a Child Benefit claimant or their partner has an individual income of between £60,000 and £80,000, the higher earner may be liable for the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC). Use the Child Benefit tax calculator on GOV.UK for an estimate. Parents can pay the charge through their PAYE tax code using the HICBC digital service, or through Self Assessment.