22/08/2023

HMRC Issues Child Benefit Extension Deadline

HM Revenue Customs (HMRC) has reminded parents of 16-year-olds that they have one week from GCSE results day to update their Child Benefit claim.

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. They can use the online service on GOV.UK or the HMRC app to tell HMRC about their child's plans.

HMRC recently wrote to parents about extending their Child Benefit claim. The 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's Director General for Customer Services, said: "Child Benefit can provide financial support to families, so make sure you don't miss out if your teenager is still eligible. You can quickly and easily extend your claim online or via the HMRC app, just search 'Child Benefit when your child turns 16' on GOV.UK."

Parents will need a Government Gateway user ID and password to use HMRC's online services. They will need their National Insurance number or postcode and 2 forms of ID to register on GOV.UK.

The government is offering help for households. Check GOV.UK to find out about cost of living support, including help with childcare costs.




Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

11 October 2024
New Childcare Subsidy Saves Parents Nearly £1m
The new Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS) has helped parents save nearly £1 million on their September childcare bills. When combined with the contributions from Tax-Free Childcare, the total savings for Northern Irish parents exceed £2 million.
03 January 2024
New Parents Can Now Apply For Child Benefit Online
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has announced that new parents can now claim Child Benefit online for the first time since it was launched 47 years ago, helping millions of families with the cost of raising their children.
20 August 2024
Extend Child Benefit For Your Teen By 31 August
Parents have less than two weeks to tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) their 16-19 year-old is continuing education or training, or their Child Benefit payments will stop. Hundreds of thousands of teenagers will decide on their future this week as they receive their GCSE results on Thursday (22 August 2024).
03 April 2024
HMRC Announce Automatic Child Benefit Increase
Millions of families who claim Child Benefit will automatically receive increased payments from 6 April 2024, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has confirmed. Families with one child will now receive up to £1,331 a year – an annual increase of £83.20, and up to £881 a year per additional child – an annual increase of £54.60.
24 July 2024
SDLP MP's Vote To Support End Of Two-Child Benefit Cap
SDLP MP's at Westminster have voted in favour of an SNP amendment to ending the two-child benefit cap. The SDLP has long called for an end to the cap which has compounded child poverty and has a particularly detrimental impact on families in Northern Ireland.