One week left to extend Child Benefit claim for teenagers
Child Benefit automatically stops when children reach 16 but it can be claimed for children continuing their education or training.
Parents have one week after GCSE results day to tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) that their 16-year-old is continuing their education or training, to continue receiving Child Benefit.
Teenagers will find out their GCSE results this week and many will be considering their future and whether to stay on in education. Child Benefit payments stop on 31 August after a child turns 16, but parents can extend their claim if their child is continuing in approved education or training.
It is easy for parents to update their Child Benefit record. 皇冠体育appy can use the online service on GOV.UK or the HMRC app to tell HMRC about their child鈥檚 plans.
HMRC recently wrote to parents about extending their Child Benefit claim. 皇冠体育app letter included a QR code which, when scanned, directs them to GOV.UK to update their claim online. Any changes will be applied to their Child Benefit claim immediately.
Child Benefit will continue to be paid for children who are studying full time which can include:
- A levels or similar
- International Baccalaureate
-
home education - if it started before their child turned 16 or after 16 if they have special needs
- T levels
- NVQs, up to level 3
- traineeships in England
Child Benefit will also continue for children studying on one of these unpaid approved training courses:
- in Wales: Foundation Apprenticeships, Traineeships or the Jobs Growth Wales+ scheme
- in Northern Ireland: PEACE IV Children and Young People 2.1, Training for Success or Skills for Life and Work
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC鈥檚 Director General for Customer Services, said:
Child Benefit can provide financial support to families, so make sure you don鈥檛 miss out if your teenager is still eligible. You can quickly and easily extend your claim online or via the HMRC app, just search 鈥楥hild Benefit when your child turns 16鈥� on GOV.UK.
Parents will need a Government Gateway user ID and password to use HMRC鈥檚 online services. 皇冠体育appy will need their National Insurance number or postcode and 2 forms of ID to register on GOV.UK.
皇冠体育app government is offering . Check GOV.UK to find out about cost of living support, including help with .
Further information
More information on Child Benefit for 16-19 year olds
Parents cannot claim Child Benefit if their child is taking a course that is part of a job contract.
Parents can view and manage their claim quickly and easily online or on the HMRC app. This includes viewing payment information and proof of their claim, adding additional children and updating their details 鈥� all without needing to call HMRC.