HMRC is sending out brown envelopes which could provide UK households with a £1,400 boost. The Labour government's tax authority is writing to 1.5 million parents to remind them to extend their child benefit if their teenager is staying in education or training after their GCSEs.
Child benefit stops automatically on August 31 on or after a child's 16th birthday unless parents inform HMRC of their plans. 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."
How much is child benefit?
Child benefit amounts to £27.05 per week, or £1,406.60 per year, for the oldest child. For each additional child, the benefit totals £17.90 per week.
When will letters arrive?
Around 1.5 million letters will be sent to parents of 16-19-year-olds from late April 2026. Letters are expected to arrive from 8 May. Parents do not need to wait for their letter. The digital service is open now at GOV.UK and on the HMRC app.
Who needs to act?
Parents only need to act if their teenager is starting a new course or qualifying training in September. Those already partway through a course previously notified to HMRC do not need to contact us.
What counts as full-time education?
Full-time education means more than an average of 12 hours a week of supervised study or course-related work experience. This includes home schooling. If a child has an illness or disability, they may be able to do fewer hours where this is appropriate for them.
Child benefit cannot be claimed if a teenager’s course is part of a job contract.
Parents can view and manage their claim via the HMRC app, including viewing payment information, proof of entitlement, and adding children.
