HMRC has issued a warning to parents that Child Benefit payments could cease this summer if they do not take action. Mums and dads have been alerted to the risk of losing out on financial support from the taxman.
Child Benefit Deadline
HMRC, which administers Child Benefit, is reminding parents of 16 to 19-year-olds to extend their claim if their teenager is continuing with certain types of education or training following their GCSEs or National 5s. Payments will automatically stop on August 31 on or after a child's 16th birthday unless parents confirm their teenager's intentions.
Reminder Letters
Approximately 1.5 million reminder letters are being sent to parents and guardians between now and early May. However, parents do not need to wait for their letter to arrive. HMRC's digital service for extending claims opened on April 1. Those who already know their teenager's plans can take action now to avoid an interruption in monthly payments of £108.20.
Claim extensions can be submitted via the HMRC app or online at GOV.UK. The letters also feature a QR code providing direct access to the digital service.
Payment Details
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.'
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).
