Parents of teenagers have been urged to take action before the end of August or risk their Child Benefit payments stopping automatically.
HMRC is reminding families with children aged 16 to 19 that they must tell the tax authority if their child is continuing in approved education or training after finishing Year 11.
Failing to confirm their child's plans by 31 August could mean Child Benefit payments are stopped, even if the teenager is still eligible.
For many families, Child Benefit is worth more than £1,400 a year for their eldest or only child.
Why parents need to act
Every year, HMRC contacts parents whose children are turning 16 to check whether they will remain in qualifying education or approved training.
If they do, Child Benefit can continue.
If parents do not respond by August 31, payments will stop automatically.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC's Chief Customer Officer, said parents only need a few minutes to reconfirm their claim: "If you've received a letter asking you to confirm your 16 to 19-year-old's plans, you need to act before 31 August."
She added: "You can also log in to the HMRC app or go directly to GOV.UK to extend your claim. You don't need to wait for a letter - if you already know your teenager's plans, you can act right now."
How much is Child Benefit worth?
Child Benefit is paid every four weeks, although some families receive weekly payments.
Current rates are:
- £27.05 a week (£1,406.60 a year) for your eldest or only child.
- £17.90 a week for each additional child.
The payment is available for children under 16, or under 20 if they remain in approved education or training.
Which courses qualify?
Parents can continue receiving Child Benefit if their teenager is studying full-time, non-advanced education, including:
- A levels
- T Levels
- GCSEs
- Scottish Highers
- NVQs and equivalent qualifications
- Approved unpaid training programmes
However, Child Benefit cannot usually be claimed if a young person is:
- Studying for a university degree.
- Completing a standard apprenticeship in England.
- Taking part in a course that forms part of a paid job.
What if your child hasn't decided yet?
HMRC says parents shouldn't panic if their teenager is still weighing up their options.
Myrtle Lloyd said: "If your child hasn't yet confirmed their plans, don't panic - but do act as soon as they have decided. If there's any chance they'll be staying in qualifying education or training, extend your claim before August 31 to avoid missing any payments."
What happens if plans change?
If a child later decides not to continue in education or training, or switches to a course that is no longer eligible, parents must tell HMRC as soon as possible.
Myrtle Lloyd warned: "If your child's plans change - for example, if they decide to leave education or take up an apprenticeship - you must tell HMRC as soon as possible to avoid being overpaid. Overpayments may need to be repaid, so it's important to keep your details up to date."
Changes can be reported through the HMRC app or online.
What happens if you miss the deadline?
Parents who do not confirm their child's plans by August 31 will see their Child Benefit payments stop automatically.
Although claims can be restarted later, HMRC warns this could leave families missing out on payments in the meantime.
Recommended reading
- DWP debt crackdown begins with new bank account powers and driving ban
- Born in the 1970s? New report says State Pension Age change could come 7 years early
- DWP confirms Pension Credit and Housing Benefit major claim change for pensioners
How to keep your Child Benefit
The quickest way to extend a claim is through the HMRC app or online via GOV.UK.
Parents who have received a letter from HMRC can also scan the QR code included to access the online service directly.
Those who cannot use online services can contact HMRC by phone or post using the details provided in their letter.
