HMRC is sending urgent reminder letters to 1.5 million households in May, urging parents of 16-to-19-year-olds to extend their Child Benefit claim if their teenager remains in approved education or training after GCSEs or National 5s.
Child Benefit Auto-Stop Date
Child Benefit payments will automatically cease on August 31 following a child's 16th birthday unless parents confirm their teenager's future plans. The reminder letters will arrive in early May, but parents do not need to wait for them to renew claims.
How to Renew
Renewals can be completed immediately via the HMRC app or online at GOV.UK. Child Benefit provides £27.05 per week (£1,406.60 annually) for the eldest or only child, and £17.90 per week for each additional child.
Last year, 874,000 parents extended their claims, with over half using digital channels. Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s chief customer officer, stated: "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."
High Income Child Benefit Charge
If a claimant or their partner earns between £60,000 and £80,000 individually, the higher earner may face the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC).
