HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued an urgent reminder to parents and guardians of teens aged 16 to 19: If your child plans to stay in eligible education or unpaid training beyond their 16th birthday, you must renew your Child Benefit claim by 31 August. Failure to do so will result in payments stopping automatically at the end of August.
This annual process ensures that support continues for families with children in non-advanced full-time education or government-recognized training programs. With rising costs, Child Benefit is a vital source of income, and timely renewal is essential to avoid disruptions.
What Happens on 31 August?
The Child Benefit entitlement ends automatically on or after 31 August following the child’s 16th birthday, unless parents confirm the child is continuing education or training.
You must take action if your child is:
- Remaining in school or sixth form
- Joining an approved training provider
Not renewing in time will halt payments from September, affecting the family budget.
Why It’s Crucial to Renew
Failing to renew by the 31 August deadline means:
- Loss of over £100 per month
- Disruption in payments during the new academic year
- Administrative delays in reinstating claims
Timely action helps avoid back-and-forth with HMRC and ensures a seamless transition into the next phase of your child’s education.
Who Is Eligible After Age 16?
Your household can continue to receive Child Benefit if the young person is:
- In full-time non-advanced education (e.g., school or college)
- Participating in government-approved unpaid training programs
However, employment-based programs such as paid apprenticeships do not qualify, even if they involve study or training. This distinction is essential for parents who assume any educational route is acceptable.
How Much Is Child Benefit Worth?
The following table outlines the current Child Benefit rates:
| Child | Weekly Amount | Annual Total |
|---|---|---|
| Eldest or only child | £26.05 | £1,354.60 |
| Each additional child | £17.25 | £897.00 |
Missing out on renewal could result in the loss of over £1,300 a year for the first child alone—money that supports daily essentials, school expenses, and bills.
High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) Updates – 2025
If you or your partner earns between £60,000 and £80,000, you may be required to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC).
What’s new in 2025?
- Families can now settle this charge via their PAYE tax code, avoiding the need to submit a Self Assessment tax return just for HICBC.
- A Child Benefit tax calculator is available online to help estimate benefits and liabilities.
The Fast and Secure Digital Process
HMRC is encouraging families to use the HMRC app or online portal for renewals. The benefits include:
- Faster processing
- QR codes in letters direct users to the renewal page
- Ability to add new children, update addresses or bank details, and track payment dates
This self-service approach reduces delays and empowers families to manage their claims with ease.
Reminder: Child Trust Fund Access for 16-Year-Olds
Teens turning 16 this year can take control of their Child Trust Fund (CTF) if one was opened for them. At age 18, they gain full access to the funds, which could be worth thousands.
If unsure about the provider, families can use a free GOV.UK tool to locate the account.
Stay Vigilant: HMRC QR Code Use and Scam Warning
All official HMRC letters include QR codes linking to secure pages. Be cautious:
- Only trust codes that lead to HMRC’s official website or app
- Do not click on suspicious emails with QR codes
- Report phishing attempts to HMRC before deleting
Next Steps: What Parents Must Do
To continue receiving Child Benefit, parents should:
- Confirm if their child is staying in full-time education or approved training.
- Use the HMRC app or GOV.UK portal to renew the claim before 31 August.
- If unable to access online services, contact HMRC using details from the renewal letter.
With the August 31 renewal deadline fast approaching, families must act quickly to ensure uninterrupted Child Benefit payments. For many, this financial support is crucial in meeting daily needs, especially as teens continue their education.
Digital tools have simplified the process, and acting now ensures that your family’s benefit continues without interruption.
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